"5 Words to Delete From Your Vocabulary"
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I have learned that those words "emphasize" a melodramatic mood/moment. Maybe is used more as a pause...like...maybe...as in hesitant...and not necessarily telling a child "maybe" because of a lack of better word. But I use the word "maybe" in my text because it is commonly said, commonly known and it breaks a sentence into a pause or less threatening sense such as Maybe I want a candy bar. Instead of saying I want a candy bar. It breaks the sentence down to a softer one.
But I get the point. If we narrow and omit our "justs" as I was told in composition class, we will be taken more seriously. The five words you describe are hesitant and cautious...softer and not grounding. So I understand...but I like the word maybe because it doesnt mean No. (I think I am that daughter in that comment over there, haha. Do I even make sense? Maybe I should shut it, huh? Huh is another wrong word to say..so sorry. And sorry is overly spoken, as well. Maybe I am an excuse maker.

7/10/2009 10:02:05 PM [ Report Abuse ]

Very wise words (no pun intended) Barbara. Reminds me of the famous saying, "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."

As writers were more conscious of word usage in our writings but how aware are we of them in our everyday lives? Ahhh, that is the question. My adult daughter often says to me, "That's not what I meant." I tell her to think before she speaks and then say what she means and mean what she says. In one ear and out the other *smile*.

7/10/2009 12:39:19 PM [ Report Abuse ]

Very interesting Barbara. This is something I never thought about, but certainly will now. You see, I used the word never. Your writings always show me things I need to know. May God Bless You.

Daniel

7/10/2009 4:49:14 AM [ Report Abuse ]