Quick Help: Editing adjectives and adverbs

Quick Help: Editing adjectives and adverbs

  • Scrutinize each adjective and adverb. Consider synonyms for each one 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.
  • Consider adding an adjective or adverb that might make your writing more vivid or specific.
  • Make sure all adjectives modify nouns or pronouns and all adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Check especially for proper use of good and well, bad and badly, real and really.
  • Make sure all comparisons are complete.
  • If English is not your first language, check that adjectives are in the right order.