Just That
Over use of the words : Just and That.
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The goal of any writer is to convey the meaning of their work without an overuse of words. Overuse of a word or phrase can take away from the power of the written text. It can distract the reader.
Two of the most overused words are: Just and That. Overuse of these two words can scratch out a place in our vocabulary, take root, and grow into a habit. But if used correctly these words can be a powerful tool to express meaning.
The words just and that should only be used for emphasis.
Examples:
That happens to belong to me.
Did you see that?
Just stop and listen for a minute.
I know you believe you’re right but just listen to my opinion.
The best way to self-evaluate the over use of these words is to proofread each paragraph. Have you used just or that four or more times. Then reread the sentence and leave out just or that. If the sentence still makes sense then the word is not necessary.
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Tags: just, Over Use of Words, Profreading, that, The Written Word, word, writer, Writing
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February 18th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Oh Pam, you are so right. I have a ‘that’ problem and have to work at it constantly.
February 18th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
I do not think I have a “Just” and “That” problem. I do like what you say about reading a sentence and taking out a word and if the sentence still makes sense you do not need the word. That is excellent advice about how to proofread for conciseness.
February 18th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
I do not think I have a Just and That problem. I do like what you say about reading a sentence and taking out a word and if the sentence still makes sense you do not need the word. That is excellent advice about how to proofread for conciseness.
February 18th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
I do overuse just and that and as well as and in addition to, and actually. I have entered quite a few contests where there is a maximum word count. I always go over. A friend who edits for me told me to take out all of the ‘that’s.
February 18th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
Sometimes, we unaware of using too many “just” and “that” making the article looks unattractive.
February 18th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
I never knew these were over used words. Thank you for the reminders to not over use any word.
February 18th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
Writing flows naturally with me most of the time. I will take this into consideration though.
February 19th, 2011 at 12:42 am
It\’s true. I tend to overuse \”just\” and have to control myself all the time.
February 19th, 2011 at 4:33 am
It’s just that…this is simply useful and a good eye-opener.
February 19th, 2011 at 6:19 am
Good advice my friend! LB
February 19th, 2011 at 6:57 am
I have never noticed if I overuse these two words. I shall have to be more aware of them in my writing now.
Christine
February 19th, 2011 at 10:47 am
good share
February 19th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Very interesting. I never noticed if I used just or that in my articles. Now I will check to see how much I am using it. Thanks for sharing.
February 19th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Just that I drop by your post here and find it awesome.
Hehe, good observation Pam, I think most people write that without knowing, I must check mine also.
February 20th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I know Pam, it’s a bad habit of mine. very good advice.
February 21st, 2011 at 11:58 am
Thanks – English is my second language and I am sure I have some bad habits
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:50 am
Thanks for this reminder Pam. A truly useful piece. Nothing more to say. JUST THAT.
February 23rd, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Good points.
May 21st, 2011 at 4:56 pm
I’ll just have to watch out for that in the future. lol