Verbal Ticks — Is there a word or a phrase you use (or overuse) all the time, and are seemingly unable to get rid of? If not, what’s the one that drives you crazy when others use it?
Were “very” banished from the language as well as “that” and “which,” my writing would be more elegant. Much of my editorial efforts are spent removing the aforementioned words after inserting them in nearly every sentence.
SERENDIPITY: SEEKING INTELLIGENT LIFE ON EARTH 
I’m trying to avoid too many adverbs. Not so easy…
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And maybe not necessary, either?
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Like, you know, I mean, “very” is that one word, which really is very, very overused.
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And it’s unavoidable. Usually, you can just delete it and the sentence stays the same … but often, there’s no alternative.
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I think “you know” does get overly used.
Leslie
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You know, you’re right!
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You know, you’re right too.
Leslie
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“very” is definitely one of my favorite words!
My granddaughter told me recently to quit using ellipses so much. When we text she says it confuses her. For example, we had a conversation about when she was coming to my house.
Can I come over? (granddaughter)
Sure… (me)
What does that mean? Sure… what else are you going to say? Are you mad that I am coming over? (granddaughter)
She thought I was implying something other than “sure” !
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I had an ellipses problem. Now I have a dash problem.
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I wish I could dash… no longer able.
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I can only dash in print. Otherwise, I more or less hobble. At least I’m still on my legs. That’s something.
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you know..
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Y’know, you know. I know. We know. I know you know and you know I know. We all know that we all know. Y’know?
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I don’t use the word ‘amazing’ unless something truly is – but it is a word that shows up over and over about things that really aren’t all that amazing.
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Awesome!
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