I tend to use the word "just" (in the adverb sense, "only or merely") a lot when I write. When I consider my use of the word, it often seems like I am downplaying my statements, or it ** somehow seems whiny/childish. A while back, I started consciously trying to reduce my usage of the word. So whenever I write something with that word, I go back and see if I can either ** remove the word or reword the sentence. Sometimes it's difficult, because removing the word can subtly change the meaning of the sentence in a way I don't like.
(** - instances of where the word in question has been removed)
(** - instances of where the word in question has been removed)