Free Filler Word Checker

This tool checks your text against a curated list of 17 common filler words and phrases: just, really, very, basically, literally, actually, honestly, simply, kind of, sort of, like, stuff, things, totally, essentially, virtually, and pretty much. The on-page count matches the shipped lexicon.

No. It detects and lists filler candidates with a density percentage. You review each match in context and edit your draft manually.

No. It is a focused checklist for common writing fluff, not a full style editor or grammar parser. Always review matches in context — words like "like" or "things" can be legitimate.

No. Detection runs entirely in your web browser. Your text is not uploaded for processing.

While there's no strict rule, most writing experts recommend keeping filler words below 5% of your total word count for professional and academic writing. If you notice filler words appearing frequently (more than once per paragraph), it's a sign that your writing could benefit from editing and refinement to improve clarity and engagement.

In most professional contexts, filler words should be minimized because they make you sound less confident and authoritative. However, in conversational or informal writing like emails to colleagues or social media posts, occasional filler words can feel more natural and relatable, as long as they don't dominate your message or undermine your credibility.

Filler words slow down reading comprehension because readers must process unnecessary words before reaching the actual meaning of your sentence. This cognitive load can frustrate readers and cause them to disengage, especially in professional or academic contexts where clarity and efficiency are valued; removing filler words creates a smoother, more enjoyable reading experience.

While filler words don't directly affect SEO rankings, they can indirectly harm your performance by reducing content quality and user engagement metrics like time on page and bounce rate. Search engines increasingly prioritize user experience, so content that's concise, clear, and free of unnecessary padding tends to perform better because readers stay engaged longer and are more likely to share it.

Professional writers develop this skill through consistent editing and revision, often reading their work aloud to catch unnecessary words that don't contribute to meaning. They also maintain awareness of their personal filler word tendencies and use editing tools to identify patterns, treating the removal of filler words as a standard part of the writing and polishing process rather than an afterthought.