Overworked expression

From the same family as "basis", I propose "basically" as the most unnecessary word.
Basically, any sentence that starts with the word "basically" can do without the first word.

[nq:1]From the same family as "basis", I propose "basically" as the most unnecessary word. Basically, any sentence that starts with the word "basically" can do without the first word.[/nq]
I don't know why, but I find myself fighting this tendency whenever I write. I have this basic attachment to 'basically' that I can't for the life of me understand.
-=Eric

Come to think of it, t

[nq:2]From the same family as "basis", I propose "basically" as ... with the word "basically" can do without the first word.[/nq]
[nq:1]I don't know why, but I find myself fighting this tendency whenever I write. I have this basic attachment to 'basically' that I can't for the life of me understand.[/nq]
"Tendency" is another word that could be disposed of, in that sentence and many others

[nq:2]From the same family as "basis", I propose "basically" as ... with the word "basically" can do without the first word.[/nq]
[nq:1]I don't know why, but I find myself fighting this tendency whenever I write. I have this basic attachment to 'basically' that I can't for the life of me understand.[/nq]
Actually, the least needed - and most over-used word - is "actually".

The good thing about a verbal cliche is that it fills a gap while you're thinking what to say next. The bad thing is that it sticks to your ("your" is impersonal here) cortex and it pops up also when you write as a pitfall of automatic thinking.

Currently, the answer "absolutely" when just "yes" is meant.

[nq:1]From the same family as "basis", I propose "basically" as the most unnecessary word. Basically, any sentence that starts with the word "basically" can do without the first word.[/nq]
At the end of the day, you're right, ultimately.

Ross Howard

[nq:1]Thread fizzled out, but what about "on a xx basis" as a prime candidate for the most unnecessary and overworked expression? ("on a daily basis" commonly used instead of "every day" or just "daily"; "on a regular basis" instead of "regularly", etc., etc...).[/nq]
The remarkable thing is how long-lasting some of these absurdities can be. Most of the ones mentioned in this thread, including

[nq:1]The good thing about a verbal cliche is that it fills a gapwhile you're thinking what to say next. The ... your ("your" is impersonal here) cortex and it pops up also when you write as a pitfall of automatic thinking.[/nq]
Sometimes, these words (basically, actually, etc.) do more than allow time they add a certain rhythm to the sentence, or provide a needed "bridge."
However, that i

[nq:2]From the same family as "basis", I propose "basically" as ... with the word "basically" can do without the first word.[/nq]
[nq:1]At the end of the day, you're right, ultimately.[/nq]
When it comes down to it, what it boils down to is that first and foremost, in effect, fundamentally we haven't anything much to say.

Dylan