Category: Miscellaneous

15 Jun 2023 13:59

Joined:	30/04/2012
Level:	Gold
Points:	1037

Points:	5

What are crutch words?

Words that are used as a filler are known as crutch words. People unnecessarily use these words sometimes. We often use such words consciously or unconsciously, mostly in informal speech. The words do not add much meaning to a sentence and sometimes distract the listener from the actual sentence. For instance

* She likes, uh, parties but she, like, misses or does not arrive on time.
In the above sentence 'uh' and 'like' are inserted unnecessarily. We can rewrite and make it easy to convey as-
She likes parties, but she arrives late or misses them.

*Actually, you mean to say I understood he would not go?
Here the word 'Actually' distracts the sentence. The right and direct sentence should be
You mean to say I understood he would not go?

It is important to be mindful of our use of crutch words. We should try to eliminate or minimize the use of crutch words but remember that these crutch words help us to be confident and concise while communicating and allow more time to think in between oral communication.

What is your perception on this matter?

#773712

15 Jun 2023 20:38

Joined:	02/06/2009
Level:	Diamond
Points:	145594

Points:	4

A good explanation from the author. Sometimes we will be using some additional words to stress the importance but when we see them again we may feel those words are not required.
Also is one such word we use many times even though there is no necessity. It is better not to use such words.
When we write poetry in the Telugu language, we have to follow certain grammar rules. That is why we see many poets using some words which are not necessary to convey the meaning. But when we write prose such rules are not there. But sometimes we use there also some words which can be avoided.

drrao
always confident

#773719

15 Jun 2023 22:57

Joined:	30/04/2012
Level:	Gold
Points:	1037

Points:	1

Yes Dr Rao, sometimes it's bothering us while reading sentences. These days youth generation uses more such words like umm, hmm especially when they do text messages.

#773724

16 Jun 2023 10:45

Joined:	10/12/2016
Level:	Diamond
Points:	109183

Points:	4

We use many words sometimes in a redundant way and they do not add any value to the sentence. Many people use words like 'actually', 'in fact', 'definitely' etc to emphasize on something but most of the times it does not do so.
For example a sentence like - 'Why would I not come? There is no reason. You know that better. I will definitely come and attend the function. Even if you had not invited me I was planning to make an appearance.' In that sentence the meaning emerging out is - 'I would attend' and no more than that.

Knowledge is power.

#773725

16 Jun 2023 10:53

Joined:	25/11/2014
Level:	Diamond
Points:	43292

Points:	4

In our school days, our English Teacher teaching us in class ten and elven always reminded us to write simple sentences with the minimum words possible. He was under the impression that long sentences lose to represent the actual meaning of the sentence since the reader cannot reconnect the group of words written in a long sentence. This is not the case with a short sentence consisting of ten or twelve words. The reader can remember all the words while framing a sentence but in the long one, sometimes our memory falls to recapitulate the group of words used by the author.

#773826

22 Jun 2023 14:22

Joined:	30/04/2012
Level:	Gold
Points:	1037

Points:	1

Yes, I accept brevity in our communication is a more effective way to convey meaning. whereas lengthy sentences could confuse the reader or listener to grasp the intended message.
Redundancy is another issue, which adds little value or no value to the sentences. Some people even tend to use such words as 'actually' or 'definitely' thinking that it emphasizes their points more effectively.

#773838

22 Jun 2023 17:02

Joined:	02/01/2012
Level:	Gold
Points:	51633

Points:	5

Using crutch words while speaking is neither wrong nor unacceptable but it does become irritating when we overdo it. Crutch words support us in maintaining continuity by filling the pauses/ gaps. Words or phrases like you see, actually, like, so, look, but (many Indian cricketers are fond of this word), etc are used by many. The point is that one should not get used to using crutch words because, though it is not wrong, it not only affects the flow of your speech but also puts your language proficiency under a cloud. So, use crutch words only when you cannot avoid them, and do not make it a habit.

'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
-Aristotle

#773877

23 Jun 2023 20:43

Joined:	19/06/2011
Level:	Gold
Points:	87960

Points:	3

Though I was just familiar with the term 'crutch words', I never had given more attention to that.
I was under the impression that crutch words generally occurred during speeches or conversations.
This thread has prompted me to try to know more in this regard. I discover that I am also a culprit of using crutch words in my writings.
Now I know that some of the common words I was using all these days in my writings and conversations are actually crutch words( here too!, habits die hard!).

#773911

25 Jun 2023 01:01

Joined:	09/08/2012
Level:	Gold
Points:	10991

Points:	4

I did not know about the existence of such a word for this form of error while writing. I use crutch words very casually or unknowingly, I guess, while communicating but I realised this only after I started to write using Grammarly, which pointed out so many such words which I thought helped me in putting emphasis on what I am saying are actually not very relevant. I guess it is good to know such things while using formal language. Although I think despite having communication in English on a daily basis, not many people would be familiar with this. I use many such words such as actually, really to put emphasis, I will try to be mindful while writing from now onwards.

"It is hardest thing in the world to be good thinker without being a good self examiner"

What are crutch words?

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