Filter Words in Fiction
If you’ve been writing fiction for a while, you’ve probably heard of filter words. But what exactly are they? And why are they a problem?
What are Filter Words?
Some of the most common filter words include:
- Saw
- Heard
- Felt
- Knew
- Thought
- Wondered
- Realised
- Noticed
- Seemed
- Looked
At first glance, these words might seem harmless, even necessary. But in most cases, they weaken your writing by adding an unnecessary layer between the reader and the action.
Why are filter words a problem?
Now you have an idea of which words might be described as filter words – but what’s the problem with using them?
1. They create distance between the reader and the characters
When you are writing a scene from one character’s point of view, everything on the page must have been experienced by them. It must have been seen/heard/noticed/felt by them. This means you don’t need to tell your readers that Sarah heard a dog bark. Instead, you can tell them that a dog barked.
If you use filter words, it can remind the reader that they are being told a story, rather than experiencing the story alongside (or in the shoes of) your characters.
She felt a chill run up her spine [here, the word “felt” is a filter word]
becomes
A chill ran up her spine
In the first version, we’re being told what the character feels and realises. In the second, we experience it with her. The second version is more immediate, immersive and powerful.
2. They tell rather than show
You may well be bored of being told to “show” rather than “tell” your readers, but actually if you remove filter words from your writing, you will naturally lean more towards showing, and away from telling.
He saw the sun setting behind the mountains, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson. [here, the word “saw” is a filter word]
becomes
The sun set behind the mountains, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson.
The second version feels more natural and engaging. Readers don’t need to be reminded that the character “saw” something. If it’s being described on the page, then we can assume it’s been seen by the point of view character.
3. They Slow the Pace
In a novel, you need to make sure that every word counts – and this is particularly important in action scenes. Filter words can introduce drag, slow the pace and weaken the impact of crucial moments.
He noticed the shadow moving in the alley and realised someone was following him. He felt his pulse quicken as he turned around. [here, the words “noticed”, “realised” and “felt” are all filter words]
becomes
A shadow shifted in the alley. Someone was following him. His pulse quickened as he turned around.
The second version is sharper, tenser, and keeps the reader on edge.
How to Spot Filter Words in Your Writing
Now that you know why these words are problematic, how do you find them in your own writing? Here are some tips:
1. Do a Search
Search your manuscript for the common filter words listed above. Do the sentences work without them?
2. Read Your Work Aloud
When you read your writing out loud, filter words often sound clunky and unnecessary. If a sentence feels smoother without them, cut them out.
3. Imagine the Scene as a Film
If you were watching a film, would the character be narrating, “I saw the villain raise his gun,” or would you simply see the villain raising his gun? Writing should be just as immersive.
A Final Word
Filter words themselves aren’t inherently bad. But they can weaken your writing if they are overused. By eliminating the words that are surplus to requirements, you will keep the pace moving swiftly and increase reader engagement.
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