One of the subtle yet impactful techniques to strengthen your writing is the elimination of filter words. These words can dilute your narrative, making it less immersive for readers. In this blog post, we'll explore what filter words are, why they matter, and how to effectively remove them from your writing.
What Are Filter Words?
Filter words are words and phrases that act as a barrier between the reader and the character’s experience. They often include verbs related to perception and cognition, such as:
I think
I feel
I see
I hear
I notice
I realize
I watch
I decide
These words can make the writing feel distant, as they remind readers that they're reading a character's account of events rather than experiencing them firsthand.
Why Filter Words Matter
Removing filter words can make your writing more immediate and engaging. When you eliminate these words, you allow readers to experience the events directly through the character's senses, creating a stronger connection and a more immersive experience.
Examples of Filter Words and Their Impact
To understand the impact of filter words, let's look at some examples:
With Filter Words:
I noticed the sun setting beyond the horizon, casting an orange hue over the landscape.
She felt a chill run down her spine as she heard a noise in the dark.
He realized he was late for the meeting and decided to take a shortcut.
Without Filter Words:
The sun set beyond the horizon, casting an orange hue over the landscape.
A chill ran down her spine as a noise echoed in the dark.
He was late for the meeting and took a shortcut.
In the examples without filter words, the sentences are more direct and vivid, placing the reader directly in the scene.
How to Identify and Remove Filter Words
Identify Filter Words:
Read through your manuscript and highlight instances of filter words.
Common filter words include: think, feel, see, hear, notice, realize, watch, decide, etc.
Remove or Replace Filter Words:
Look at each highlighted instance and consider how to rewrite the sentence without the filter word.
Focus on the action or sensory detail itself.
Example Revisions:
Original: I heard the alarm clock ringing and decided to get up.
Revised: The alarm clock rang. I got up.
Original: She noticed the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen.
Revised: The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.
Maintain Clarity:
Ensure that removing the filter word doesn't make the sentence confusing. The goal is to make the writing more immediate, not obscure the meaning.
Practicing Filter Word Removal
Here are some practice sentences. Try rewriting them without filter words:
I saw a flock of birds flying across the sky.
He felt a surge of joy when he heard the news.
She realized she had left her keys in the car.
They watched as the fireworks exploded in the night sky.
Possible Revisions:
A flock of birds flew across the sky.
A surge of joy swept over him when the news came.
Her keys were in the car.
The fireworks exploded in the night sky.
By removing filter words, you can create a more engaging and immersive experience for your readers. This small but powerful technique helps bring your writing to life, allowing readers to feel like they're part of the story. Practice identifying and eliminating filter words in your writing to see the difference it can make.
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