Filler words are the small words that sit in a sentence without adding anything. They creep in as we draft, because they sound like the way people talk and because they soften a statement that we are not quite sure of. A character who just walked to the door, really wanted to leave and began to feel uneasy has taken three steps back from the action. Cut the three and the sentence is stronger: she walked to the door, wanted to leave, felt uneasy.
Free tool · Filler Word Finder
Filler Word Finder that finds the small words that thin out a sentence
The filler word finder scans the text that you paste for words and phrases that thin out a sentence, such as just, really, very, actually, seemed to, began to and in order to, highlights each one, and shows how many times you use each and how often per 1,000 words. It runs in your browser, keeps your text on your device and is free for fiction writers, nonfiction authors and editors.
Use the free tool
The filler word finder is free to use, with no account and nothing uploaded.
- Counts each filler
- Highlights in context
- Optional that check
Key facts
- FreeNo cost, no account and no usage limit on the filler word finder
- In your browserNothing that you type or paste into the filler word finder is uploaded
- SecondsTypical time from opening the filler word finder to a result
Free tool
Filler word finder
Paste your text to find filler words and weak phrases that thin out a sentence, and see how often you use each.
The filler word finder needs JavaScript, and it works in your browser without sending anything that you enter to a server.
Overview
What the filler word finder does and why it helps
The finder looks for a list of common offenders, which includes adverbs of degree such as very, really, quite and rather, softeners such as just, simply, actually and basically, hedges such as seemed to, started to and kind of, and padding such as in order to and the fact that. You can also add the word that to the list, since many writers use it far more than they need to. Each match is highlighted in your text, and a table shows how many times each word or phrase appears.
The tool counts and highlights, and you decide. Some of these words belong in dialogue, where people really do say just and kind of, and some are the right choice in a sentence where the nuance matters. The aim is not to delete every instance but to notice the habit, and to remove the ones that add nothing. A tighter sentence does not have to be a colder one.
The filler word finder highlights words such as very, really, just and that, which add length without adding meaning. This is a free filler word finder, built for authors who want a clear answer without buying software. It runs as a filler word finder online, so a laptop, tablet or phone is all you need. It works as a filler word finder free online, on phones and desktops alike. We built it as a filler word finder for authors, with book-specific defaults. It also serves as a filler word finder for self-published books, whichever store you publish through. It doubles as a filler word finder for KDP, because the figures it uses match Amazon's rules. As a filler word finder no sign up page, it asks for no email and sets no account. Treat it as a filler word finder tool for writers who would rather not wade through jargon. If you are hunting for the best filler word finder, judge it by whether it explains its numbers, as this one does.
How to use it
How to use the filler word finder, step by step
Paste your text
Copy a chapter or a section into the box. A few hundred words or more gives useful counts, and a whole chapter shows your habits more clearly than a single page.
Press find
The tool scans for words and phrases that thin a sentence, such as just, really, very, actually, seemed to, began to and in order to. It matches whole words, so that part of a longer word is not flagged.
Read the counts
Each filler is listed with how many times you use it and how often per 1,000 words. The top of the list shows the habits that matter most.
Look at the highlights
Each match is marked in the text so you can read it in its sentence. Judging a filler in context is the only reliable way to decide whether it earns its place.
Decide what to cut
Delete the word if the sentence works without it, or replace the phrase with a stronger one. Where a sentence collapses without it, the filler was doing real work.
Check the result
Paste the revision and compare the counts. A fall in your top three fillers, with the voice unchanged, tells you the edit worked.
How the filler word finder works
A list of suspects and a count for each
The tool checks your text for a list of common filler words and phrases: just, really, very, actually, basically, literally, quite, rather, suddenly, almost, simply and others, plus phrases such as seemed to, began to, kind of, in order to and the fact that. It counts each one and highlights it in your text.
You can add the word that to the list, since many writers overuse it, though it is often needed. The tool reports the total, the rate per 1,000 words and a sorted table of the most common fillers, so that you can see which ones are your habit.
Filler words are not always wrong. Dialogue often needs them to sound real, and a character who says just a minute may be right in character. The tool does not delete anything. It shows you where to look, and you decide which words to cut.
- A sorted table of the fillers you use most
- Highlights in context
- A rate per 1,000 words for comparison
Method
How the filler word finder works out its answer
The word list
The tool searches for single words such as just, really, very, actually, basically, literally, quite, rather, somewhat, suddenly, almost, nearly, simply, totally, completely, absolutely, definitely, certainly, probably, perhaps, maybe, anyway, then, so and well, and for phrases such as seemed to, began to, tried to, kind of, sort of, a bit, a little, in order to, the fact that and as if.
Matching whole words
Each item is matched as a whole word or phrase and not inside a longer word, and phrases tolerate extra spaces between words. Matches that overlap are merged so that each part of the text is highlighted once.
Counts and rates
The tool counts how many times each item appears and shows the total, and then divides the total by the word count and multiplies by 1,000, so that chapters of different lengths can be compared.
The optional that
The word that is useful and also often unnecessary, so the tool counts it only if you choose to, and you can then judge each case.
Tips
Getting the most from the filler word finder
Check dialogue separately
Fillers in speech may be deliberate characterisation. Review narration first, then decide how much to keep in dialogue. The filler word finder is free and instant, so it is worth running again whenever your book changes.
Watch your top three
Fixing your three commonest fillers gives the biggest gain for the least effort. Start there before you work down the list. Make the filler word finder a routine step on every project, so that results stay consistent from book to book.
Read aloud
Your ear tells you when a word is dead weight. If the sentence sounds the same without it, cut it. A few minutes with the filler word finder now saves time across the whole manuscript.
Need it done for you?
When the filler word finder is not enough
The finder helps you tighten the words. These services take the finished text and turn it into a book that looks as polished as it reads.
Fiction Book Formatting
Once the prose is tight, a fiction formatter sets it for print and ebook with clean scene breaks, designed chapter openers and files that every store accepts.
See the service →Nonfiction Book Formatting
A nonfiction formatter builds a clear structure of headings, callouts and notes around your polished text, and tests the files before handover.
See the service →eBook Formatting Services
A finished manuscript becomes one validated EPUB that reads well on every device, with a working contents page and clean styles.
See the service →Before and after
Before and after using the filler word finder
The same scene, first as a draft padded with softeners and then as a revision in which every word earns its place.
123Before
- 1Just, really and very scattered through every paragraph
- 2Hedges such as began to and seemed to that slow every action
- 3No sense of which words you lean on
123After
- 1Direct sentences with strong verbs
- 2Actions that happen and are not about to happen
- 3A clear list of your own habits to watch
- 3problems found in the first review
- 3fixes checked in the final review
- 1named specialist owning every fix
- Fixedprice confirmed in the calculator before you order
Stronger sentences
Removing a filler leaves a sentence shorter and sharper, so the action reads more clearly and the voice sounds more confident.
A faster pace
Hedges such as began to and tried to delay the action, and plain verbs get the reader to the moment faster.
Self-knowledge
The table shows which words you lean on, and that knowledge improves everything you write next.
Client reviews
What authors say about our filler word edit service
Verified reviews from authors who asked a specialist to handle the filler word edit after using the filler word finder.
Getting historical fiction placed in the right categories on Amazon and IngramSpark required strategic metadata. The team understood the genre classification and the book reached the right readers from the first week.
As a first-time author, the technical side of self-publishing was genuinely daunting. The consultation covered every decision — platform choice, pricing strategy, metadata, and distribution. I launched with genuine confidence.
Navigating IngramSpark's requirements for the first time felt overwhelming. The upload assistance handled everything — metadata, pricing setup, distribution channels. My children's book reached bookstores within two weeks.
Good support throughout the KDP upload process. The metadata setup and category selection were explained clearly. One pricing setting needed adjustment after initial setup but it was corrected quickly.
Good publishing support overall. The KDP metadata setup was thorough. One category selection needed updating after initial launch but it was corrected promptly. The book is performing well in its target categories.
The publishing readiness review identified four issues in my manuscript that would have caused rejection. Each was clearly explained and quickly resolved. My book launched without any technical complications.
My cookbook needed to be set up across multiple platforms simultaneously. The publishing support team handled every submission — KDP, IngramSpark, and Apple Books — with different requirements for each. Flawlessly executed.
The formatting error fix service saved my launch. My original formatter had made margin errors causing repeated rejection. Book Formatting Experts identified and fixed every issue within 48 hours. My launch was back on schedule.
My YA novel needed to reach both English-language and Japanese readers. The multi-region distribution setup was handled correctly across all required platforms. International sales have exceeded my expectations.
My KDP file was rejected with a technical error message I could not understand. Book Formatting Experts diagnosed the problem immediately — a bleed issue on three pages — and corrected it the same day. Approved first time.
The cover redesign transformed how potential readers perceive my book. The previous version looked amateur. This one looks like it was published by a major house. My sales doubled in the month after the new cover launched.
Every recipe page has the right visual hierarchy — ingredients clearly separated from method, clear serving sizes, and consistent styling throughout. My readers can use the book comfortably in the kitchen.
Solid formatting work. The chapter headers and page numbers were all clean and the file passed IngramSpark first time. Communication was good throughout. Minor revision was turned around same day.
My author website now functions as a complete lead generation platform. The speaking page, media kit, and book sales funnel all work together seamlessly. I have received four speaking enquiries in the first month.
The interactive elements in my EPUB — internal links, chapter navigation, and resource appendix — all work perfectly. My readers have specifically mentioned how easy the ebook is to navigate.
The citation formatting, chapter opening pages, and bibliography were all handled precisely. For a scholarly publication, these details matter enormously. The finished book looks authoritative and professional.
Fantasy books need careful layout to handle maps, epigraphs, and chapter artwork. Every element was handled with real understanding of the genre. The final interior is exactly what a fantasy reader expects.
The website made my romance series feel like a real reader destination. The book pages, series tropes, and signup sections finally work together. Readers stay longer and my newsletter list grew significantly after launch.
More free tools
More free tools to use with the filler word finder
Each of these tools is free, runs in your browser and works well alongside the filler word finder.
Adverb Passive Voice Checker
Free adverb passive voice checker that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you adverb and passive edit service for the filler word edit.
Open the tool →Word Frequency Analyzer
Free word frequency analyzer that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you repetition edit service for the filler word edit.
Open the tool →Readability Score Checker
Free readability score checker that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you readability edit service with your filler word edit.
Open the tool →Word Count Tool
Free word count tool that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you manuscript length check service for the filler word edit.
Open the tool →Dialogue Ratio Calculator
Free dialogue ratio calculator that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you dialogue balance review service with your filler word edit.
Open the tool →Chapter Length Analyzer
On this filler word edit job, free chapter length analyzer that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you chapter structure review service.
Open the tool →FAQ
Filler Word Finder: questions answered
These are the questions authors ask most about the filler word finder, including accuracy, privacy and what to do next. If your question about the filler word edit is missing, request a quote and a specialist will reply.
What is a filler word finder?
It is a tool that scans your text for words and phrases that add little, such as just, really, very, actually and began to, highlights them and counts how often you use them.
What are filler words in writing?
They are small words that pad a sentence without adding meaning, such as just, really, very, quite, basically and actually, and weak phrases such as began to, tried to and kind of.
Should I remove all filler words?
No. They belong in dialogue and sometimes carry nuance in narration. Remove the ones that add nothing, and keep those that fit the voice.
What are the most common filler words in fiction?
Just, really, very, suddenly, then, so, that and began to are among the most common, and the exact list varies by writer.
How does the tool count them?
It matches each word or phrase on its list as a whole word, counts each match and also gives the total per 1,000 words.
Why does it include the word that?
Many writers use that more than they need to. The tool counts it only if you tick the option, so you can see whether it is a habit for you.
Does it work for nonfiction?
Yes. Nonfiction authors use it to make explanations more direct, and business writers use it to tighten reports and articles.
Can I add my own filler words?
The list is fixed in the tool, but you can use the word frequency analyzer to find your own most-used words and add them to your editing notes.
Is a high filler rate always bad?
Not always, but a rate far above your average in one chapter is a signal to look more closely.
Does the filler word finder keep anything that I enter?
No. The filler word finder works in your browser, so what you enter stays on your device and is never saved.
Does it replace an editor?
No. It finds patterns that are easy to measure, and an editor judges voice, structure and story. The two work well together.
Is the filler word finder free?
Yes, the filler word finder costs nothing, needs no account and puts no limit on how much text you check.
What counts as a good filler density?
Under about fifteen flagged words per thousand is comfortable for most published fiction. Above twenty-five the padding starts to blunt individual sentences. Treat these as rough guides, because heavy dialogue and first-person voice both legitimately raise the figure.
How does a filler word finder work?
It scans your text against a list of common filler words, counts each one and highlights it in context.
How to use a filler word finder?
Paste a chapter, press find and read through the highlighted words, deleting the ones that add nothing.
Is there a filler word finder with examples?
Yes. The page includes a worked example so you can compare it with your own numbers or text. A sample paragraph is included so you can see the highlights.
Work with a specialist
Turn what you learn from the filler word finder into a finished book
The filler word finder costs nothing, and so does asking what a specialist would do with your book. When the filler word finder has done its part and you want finished files, a fixed price and one named person who owns the job, we are ready to start.