How to Combat Filler

Introduction filler

One of the biggest mistakes we see when editing is intro filler, and it may not be your fault that it keeps sneaking into your writing. Remember when your teachers taught you to start a paper or essay with “In this paper…?” That is an example of intro filler that we might mark for you in a rating. While not incorrect by any means, at Textbroker, we find the need to introduce article content to be unnecessary because the reader will know to expect as they read it. Furthermore, your title should give readers a decent idea of what to expect.

Obvious/Redundant filler 

Another type of filler we run into is sentences that repeat information that has already been stated or is obvious to the readers. The most common example of this is overstating the effect or result of something. For instance, if an article tells you that you can save an extra $5 by ordering a small instead of a medium, you wouldn’t write another sentence saying how this would save you money because it’s obvious from the previous sentence. This is also true for things that are common sense or general knowledge, but be careful what you deem as something everyone knows. In this case, everyone knows that ice is cold, so when writing about how to install an ice machine, you wouldn’t add a sentence mentioning that the ice will be cold.

Similar sentences

Another common example of filler is sentences that are identical or similar in their content. While great for reaching the word count, repeating a similar idea with the exact or slightly adjusted language doesn’t add valuable information to the content of the order. In this blog, the sentences have all been written to sound unique and provide information, but we could easily start every sentence with the same phrase and just change the last few words to fit the specific example. Using the exact same sentence in different places is also an instance of filler; for example, when writing an order called “When to See a Plumber,” you don’t need to add how each example warrants calling a plumber because the article title implies this.

Vague/Generalized filler

The last common example of filler is sentences or parts of a sentence that aren’t repeating information, stating something obvious, or introducing information unnecessarily. Instead, this filler is for words and sentences that don’t add anything to an article and are often just to increase word count. While there isn’t a perfect example of every type of vague filler, there are a few common examples. The first is information that offers no insight into the order but instead reacts to the previous content. A common example of this is writing about a service provider and adding a sentence afterward saying something like “With that history, you’re sure to love whatever you get!” Not only does this not add any information about the service, but is also making a promise that can’t be guaranteed. Another common filler issue we face is when people overuse superlatives. Is that new car really the “most adventurous, daring, technologically advanced, stunning, and jaw-dropping” model, or is it “a great model with an updated combination of tech and features?”

Do research

As you probably know, our clients like to include explicit instructions in their orders. Filler is less likely to be a problem when instructions and formatting are more restrictive. On other occasions, clients give an author free rein to write about the topic. Filler tends to creep in when an author tries to write about a topic they don't know much about. Research can go a long way in helping to reach an intimidating word-count minimum. If you can write from any angle, use that to your advantage, and look for orders on topics that you’re interested in. Passion and background knowledge can make writing come more naturally.

Vary your word choice and sentence structure 

Repetition is a sure way to lose a reader’s interest. Repetition happens on a small scale when authors favor certain words. An article can sound very monotonous when every sentence begins with “moreover.” If you can’t think of a good word to replace the one you’ve used twice already, use a thesaurus! Do an Internet search for synonyms of your word, and you’ll be one step further from the fluff. Repetition can be seen on a larger scale when entire articles are comprised of similarly structured sentences. This is most likely to happen with very simple sentences that take on a “Dick and Jane” style. An article that uses the same sentence formula many times can seem repetitive to a reader even with varied word choices, such as “I went to the aquarium. Natalie was there. We got smoothies. It was thrilling.” It is easy to avoid this by mixing up the order of your sentences or combining some main ideas.

Pronouns help make writing less redundant. If you have already mentioned the subject in the sentence and plan on referring to it again, use a pronoun. Take this sentence for example: “When getting reimbursement for medical insurance, you want to be sure that you know exactly what your medical insurance policies are and that the medical insurance company does not take advantage of you.” The use of certain words in this sentence is certainly excessive. The same information could be shared more eloquently with fewer words: “When getting reimbursement for medical insurance, know the policies so that you receive an accurate payment.” Varying elements of your writing can produce a more entertaining article.

Strive for great writing

Setting the bar high is the best way to ensure a high-quality article. Remind yourself that your submissions receive feedback, that your writing is for a client whom you hope to impress, and that you are getting compensated. Nothing will improve your writing as much as your own investment in it, but this doesn’t mean you should try to write outside of your comfort zone or attempt writing that is too challenging for you. Use words you’re familiar with, and stick to grammar that you know well while slowly building new skills and vocabulary that will come naturally with the aforementioned tips.