Here’s a quote that captures the impact of the word “just”:
“Removing ‘just’ from your vocabulary can transform your communication from tentative to assertive, from uncertain to confident. It’s a small word with a big impact on how we express ourselves and how others perceive us.”
What do you think about this perspective?

The Challenge of Letting Go: Giving Up a Regularly Used Word

Language is a powerful tool that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and interactions. We often take for granted the words we use daily, but what if we had to give up one of those words? This thought experiment can reveal a lot about our communication habits and the significance of certain words in our lives.

Choosing the Word

If I had to give up one word that I use regularly, it would be “just.” This seemingly innocuous word often slips into my sentences, subtly undermining the strength of my statements. For example, “I just wanted to check in” or “It’s just a suggestion.” While it can soften the tone, it can also make my communication less assertive and more tentative.

The Impact of “Just”

The word “just” often serves as a filler, a way to downplay the importance of what we’re saying. It can make requests seem less demanding and opinions less forceful. However, removing “just” from my vocabulary could lead to more direct and confident communication. Instead of saying, “I just wanted to ask,” I would say, “I wanted to ask.” This small change can make a significant difference in how my words are perceived.

The Benefits of Letting Go

Giving up “just” could have several benefits:

1. Clarity: My statements would be clearer and more straightforward.
2. Confidence: I would come across as more confident and assertive.
3. Efficiency: My communication would be more efficient, without unnecessary fillers.

The Challenge

Of course, letting go of a word that has become a habitual part of my speech would be challenging. It would require conscious effort and practice. I would need to be mindful of my language and actively work to eliminate “just” from my vocabulary. This process might involve some awkward moments and slips, but the potential benefits make it a worthwhile endeavor.

Conclusion

Language is a reflection of our thoughts and attitudes. By examining and adjusting the words we use, we can improve our communication and, ultimately, our interactions with others. Giving up a regularly used word like “just” might seem like a small change, but it can have a profound impact on how we express ourselves and how others perceive us. So, what word would you give up, and how do you think it would change your communication?

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Sources
(1) List of 47 Phrasal Verbs and Their One-Word Substitutions – Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/phrasal-verb-alternatives/.
(2) The English Phrasal Verb ‘Give Up’ Explained. https://www.phrasalverbsexplained.com/post/the-phrasal-verb-give-up-explained.
(3) If I Would Have vs. If I Had – The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation. https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/verbs/if-i-would-have-vs-if-i-had/.
(4) 170 Hypothetical Questions – The only list you’ll need.. https://conversationstartersworld.com/hypothetical-questions/.