If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
Orwell
That is the third rule of Orwell’s 6 Rules on Writing. But just because we have a rule doesn’t mean we have to follow it. Right?
I mean. Without losing meaning, Orwell could have said: Cut words out if possible. And, I didn’t really need to say, “I mean” at the beginning of this paragraph. Or “really” in the middle of the previous sentence.
But sometimes, words add to your likability, don’t they? Especially words that your reader would actually hear you say in a conversation.
And don’t forget about context. When writing to someone you know, an occasional useless word is overlooked. Even endeared. But not so much in a formal setting.
Coincidently, I’m reading Orwells’ My Country Right or Left. It’s a collection of essays, letters, and op-eds written between 1940 and 1943. Context shines in his writing.
In letters to friends, there are lots of unnecessary adverbs and syllables. But not the op-eds.
To answer the question. It depends.