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Q&A Alternatives to starting a sentence with well

It is easy to get stuck on a word and overuse it. It is something a writer should be aware of; even if it is difficult. Part of writing is your self-analysis. WHY are you using "Well" ? What does ...

posted 5y ago by Amadeus‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

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#4: Attribution notice removed by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-19T22:13:30Z (over 4 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/37944
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#3: Attribution notice added by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-08T09:30:57Z (over 4 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/37944
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision by (deleted user) · 2019-12-08T09:30:57Z (over 4 years ago)
It is easy to get stuck on a word and overuse it. It is something a writer should be aware of; even if it is difficult.

Part of writing is your self-analysis. WHY are you using "Well" ? What does that mean to you? What purpose is it serving?

To me, "Well," indicates the speaker was expecting something more to be said, and is asking for it to be said, and indicating what they expected to be said. It also expresses a note of dominance, as if they are talking to a subordinate they can command.

That is how it seems to be used in your examples. You might be using it as a shortcut; many writers settle on a word as a shortcut and use it too often. In that case, use more words and stop trying to take so many shortcuts, **readers don't mind reading more words.**

You are the writer! You decide upon the listener's expectations and demands. Change them.

> How did you know I was visiting the resort?
> 
> I inferred it. Your kind is not common here, I presumed you were visiting.
> 
> What is 'my kind', exactly?
> 
> Monsters in general, no offense. Non-humans, if you prefer that. There's been a steady decline for years in the islands.
> 
> Hm. No offense taken. Why is that happening? The decline?
> 
> I see the trend, not the reason. Perhaps there is a place they like better.

#1: Imported from external source by user avatar System‭ · 2018-07-29T13:33:09Z (over 5 years ago)
Original score: 3