Editing Adjectives and Adverbs

• Scrutinize each adjective and adverb. Consider synonyms for each word to see whether you have chosen the best word possible.
• See if a more specific noun would eliminate the need for an adjective (mansion rather than enormous house, for instance). Do the same with verbs and adverbs.
• Look for places where you might make your writing more specific or vivid by adding an adjective or adverb.
• Check that adjectives modify only nouns and pronouns and that adverbs modify only verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. (35b) Check especially for proper use of good and well, bad and badly, real and really. (35b and c)
• Make sure all comparisons are complete. (35c)
• If English is not your first language, check that adjectives are in the right order. (58e)