Manuscript Analysis · Free · Private
About this free filter word finder
Filter words weaken fiction by adding distance between the reader and the scene. This free filter word finder scans for crutch phrases AI writing often overuses — including very, really, just, suddenly, felt, seemed, and more — and highlights every hit in context.
How to use the Filter Word Finder
- Paste your chapter or manuscript.
- Click Analyze to scan for filter words and phrases.
- Review the phrase count table sorted by frequency.
- Read the highlighted excerpt to edit in context.
- Aim for fewer than ~8 filter-word hits per 1,000 words in polished fiction.
Frequently asked questions
What are filter words in fiction?
Words and phrases that filter the reader's experience through the narrator — like "she felt," "very," "suddenly," or "seemed to." Cutting them often strengthens prose.
Why do AI drafts have so many filter words?
Large language models default to cautious, distanced narration. A filter-word pass is one of the fastest AI draft cleanup steps.
Should I remove every filter word?
No. Use the report to find clusters and overuse. Occasional filter words are fine when they serve rhythm or voice.
Browse all free writing tools for fiction authors · Polish your draft with AI manuscript editing