Exclusion List for Word Frequency

Scrivener Wish List
1

Motivation:

When readers see the same word too many times on a page, it pulls them out of the story. I try to use a variety of words. But I don’t really need to know about multiple occurrences of words like the’, ‘a’, ‘and’, and ‘was’. Ditto for names of characters. It would be useful if we could create an exclusion list for words we don’t want counted.

Proposed Feature:

Add a user-definable exclusion list so we only see words we care about.

Bonus Points:

Add a second set of results that looks at the first word of a sentences or paragraphs to check too many sentences that start out the same way. Use a separate exclusion list for that option (or better yet, ignore it altogether). In this case, we actually do care when too many sentences begin with ‘the’.

2

I disagree. Any word may be used too often.
Encounter “was” repeatedly in prose, you think the writer is lazy, or does not appreciate the value of precise verbs.
The articles “the” and “a” can define a writer’s style, not least in the ratio of the two. Much writing can be improved merely by excising half the occurrences of “the.”
Or try writing a short passage without using “the.” It’s a lesson in stylistic arrangement.
And as for “and,” that too may be overused. Too many “ands” may signal too casual a style, not enough care with transitions.

We ought to care about all the words we use.

ps

(Certified grouch)