Actually
Crutch words
are words that we slip into sentences in order to give ourselves more time to
think, or to emphasize a statement. Over time, they become unconscious verbal
tics. Most often, crutch words do not add meaning of a statement.
"Actually" is the perfect example of a crutch word. It is meant to
signify something that exists in reality, but it is more often used as a way to
add punch to a statement (as in, "I actually have no idea"). The next
word is one of the most chronically misused crutch words in English. Click
ahead to find out what it is.
Literally
This adverb
should be used to describe an action that occurs in a strict sense. Often,
however, it is used inversely to emphasize a hyperbolic or figurative
statement: "I literally ran 300 miles today." Literally is one of the
most famously used crutch words in English. The next one, however, may surprise
you.
Basically
This phrase
is used to signal truth, simplicity, and confidence, like in "Basically,
he made a bad decision." It should signify something that is fundamental
or elementary, but too often this word is used in the context of things that
are far from basic in order to create a sense of authority and finality. What's
our next adverb offender?
Honestly
This crutch
word is used to assert authority or express incredulity, as in, "Honestly,
I have no idea why he said that." However, it very rarely adds honesty to
a statement. The next crutch word is perhaps the most famous one out there.
Like
The cardinal
sinner of lazy words like is interspersed in dialogue to give a speaker more
time to think or because the speaker cannot shake the habit of using the word.
Like should describe something of the same form, appearance, kind, character,
or amount. But, very often, it is used involuntarily in conversation, just like
um.
