Fuzzy words are vague, imprecise, or ambiguous terms. They can weaken a sentence because they lack strong, specific meaning. Such words can confuse readers because they must interpret them. To find and fix fuzzy words, click the FUZZY WORDS button.
Words highlighted in lime green are possible fuzzy words. Mouse over the highlighted word to see why the word is a fuzzy word. Then decide if the sentence has already defined (before or after) the fuzzy word. Ask yourself, “Will my readers need to interpret this fuzzy word? Or does the sentence define it for them?”
Not every highlight means you need to replace or remove the word; rather, you should scrutinize the sentence to ensure it conveys the right meaning.
Here are real examples from the Robert Gunning Editor:
Before:
The text is difficult to understand without prior knowledge.
Reason:
Vague; specify the information, understanding, or awareness. Ex.: His knowledge of the subject was impressive.
After:
The text is difficult to understand without prior knowledge of English.
Before:
There were a lot of things that caused the project to fail.
Reason:
Often too vague and can be replaced with a more specific noun. Ex.: The thing he needed was not available.
After:
Several factors, including budget cuts and poor decisions, caused the project to fail.
Before:
She was nice to everyone she met.
Reason:
Vague; specify the specific attribute or quality. Ex.: It was a nice gesture to send flowers.
After:
She was thoughtful and kind to everyone she met.
Before:
We need to fix the stuff in the report.
Reason:
Similar to ‘thing,’ it’s unclear and doesn’t convey specific information. Ex.: The stuff on his desk was disorganized.
After:
We need to correct the data and improve the formatting in the report.
Before:
He gave a lot of good advice.
Reasons: A lot: vague; specify the exact quantity or number. Good: general term; specify the quality, benefit, or advantage.
After:
He suggested five training techniques to improve team collaboration.
Before:
We need to make **changes to the plan.
Reasons:
Change: vague; specify the alteration, adjustment, or transformation. Plan: general term; specify the strategy, proposal, or arrangement.
After:
We need to revise the timeline and adjust resources for the plan.
Before:
The event was somewhat successful.
Reasons:
Without specifics, this can refer to any occurrence, making it unclear.
After:
The event attracted 200 attendees and raised $5,000 for charity, surpassing expectations.
Before:
She feels uncomfortable with the new process.
Reasons:
Vague; specify the series of actions, steps, or operations.
After:
She feels unsure about the new process due to unclear instructions and training.
Before:
The product might work better with some adjustments.
Reasons:
Some: vague and non-specific; clarify the amount or quantity. Adjustments: specify the change, correction, or fine-tuning.
After:
The product’s performance could improve by optimizing its power settings and user interface.