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Daily writing prompt
If you had to give up one word that you use regularly, what would it be?
It’s JUST. I try not to use it, but I still do. Women tend to use it – a lot. It’s a way to soften the edges. To try not to seem too pushy. To diminish our actual wants/needs/requirements.
“Just calling”
“Just following up”
“Just circling back”
“Just wanted to know”
“Just wondering”
Instead of saying what we really mean:
(Please) return my call
(Please) answer my e-mail
(Please) do what you said you would do
(Please) tell me
(Please) keep me informed
50 Happens 
I use “just” way too much also!
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And there’s no real dictionary definition of the way in which we typically use it. It must be very difficult for English language learners to grasp.
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I taught conversation English for a year and discovered that it really is difficult for non-native speakers to pick up. Every once in awhile, I’d have a short lesson on slang or nuance. A friend of mine did a short lesson on the “eff word”. I thought he may have taken that a little too far out of the circle. But the lesson sounded pretty funny and he was right, it can be used for many occasions!
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That’s interesting! Thanks for sharing. I remember I got some Roman slang lessons abroad. Spumoni was never the same.
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What a great word to give up. I use it often also, so ‘just’ it is for me too!
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Thanks for commenting Lauren!
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You’re welcome, Mary!
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