Replace weak modifiers with strong nouns and verbs

Why cut adjectives and adverbs? | |
![]() | Why avoid adjectives or adverbs? They make journalists cry ‘hype’ & more Minimize modifiers: Avoid marketing fluff and ‘pouffle dust.’ |
![]() | Why cut the marketing fluff from your web page? Hype reduces reading, sharing — even sales Cut the fluff online: Everybody loves a fluffy chick. Nobody loves a fluffy web page. Cut the hyperbole online. |
How to cut modifiers | |
![]() | When to use adverbs and adjectives ‘Applewood-smoked bacon’ just tastes better What’s that you say? An Applewood-smoked-bacon burger by any other name would not taste as good. |
![]() | When to use an adjective or adverb Use them to change, not intensify, meaning Transformed: “‘Killing Me Softly’?” The Poynter Institute’s Roy Peter Clark writes. “Good adverb. “‘Killing Me Fiercely’? Bad adverb.” |
More on adjectives and adverbs | |
![]() | Quotes on adjectives and adverbs What writers & others say “There is a tendency to slather everything with adjectives and adverbs, when what you really want to do is strip it.” — William Blundell, author of The Art and Craft of Feature Writing |
Get more tips on adjectives & adverbs on Rev Up Readership.