Redundant Words: Still, Currently, Really

Three words have come across my laptop that beg discussion: still, currently and really.

Every once in a while, they are needed -- but rarely. Usually, the previous sentence makes it clear that your topic is current. Also, the tense of your verb alerts the reader.

"John is currently in the process of finding a job." Actually, you don't even need "in the process." Just say: "John searches for a job."

In the same way, "still" is usually redundant.

"John still searches for a job." An exception would be: "John has interviewed with 10 companies. Still, he searches for a job." "Still" is used for emphasis in this case, and builds on the previous sentence.

On "really." Not: "John was really happy to find a job." Instead: "John was ecstatic to find a job." Tighten your sentence with a descriptive verb.

Watch for these words. Do you need them?