Adjectives and Adverbs
Remove them when they don't add precise meaning
“Most adjectives are ... unnecessary. Like adverbs, they are sprinkled into sentences by writers who don't stop to think that the concept is already in the noun.” William Zinsser
basically, virtually, generally, very, really
successful solutions
a general overview
the hierarchy structure
extraordinarily common
An unsuccessful solution is no longer a solution--it is an attempt.
An overview is by definition general.
A hierarchy is by definition a structure.
How much more common is extraordinarily common than just common?
Photo by hrustall
Here are more redundant phrases:
| Wordy | Concise |
|---|---|
| completely full | full |
| consensus of opinion | consensus |
| definitely proved | proved |
| still remain | remain |
| retain the same | retain |
| debris left behind | debris |
| end result | result |
| glide smoothly | glide |
| minor tweaks | tweaks |
| both of them | both |
| middle ground in between | middle ground |
| describe in words | describe |
| a variety of different things | a variety |
| specific details | details |
| period of time | period |
| round in shape | round |
| until such time as | until |
| reason why | reason |
Why does this work?
The fewer words a reader has to read, the better. If you remove the clutter, the reader will be able to see your message more easily. Choose your words carefully and remove unnecessary adjectives and adverbs.
How important is it?
On a scale of 1-10, it's a 5: helpful, but not essential. You can reduce wordiness and improve precision by removing unnecessary adverbs and adjectives, but there are many more important principles to apply in your writing first. Are you having trouble removing unnecessary adjectives or adverbs in your text? Ask for help!