Why Overusing Adjectives Can Wreck Your Writing

Remember that high school English teacher who insisted on the most colourful, flowery descriptions? Maybe you encountered the same enthusiasm in college, reading works by MFA (Master of Fine Arts) darlings who seemed determined to adorn every noun with glittering adjectives. While adverbs often get a bad rap, adjectives are equally guilty of cluttering your prose. Let's chat about why less is more when it comes to adjectives.

Adjectives vs. Adverbs: The Same Rules Apply
Just like a strong verb makes an adverb redundant, the right noun eliminates the need for an adjective. Think about it: if you describe someone as a "wizard," do you really need to add that he's a "mysterious wizard with powerful magic"? The word "wizard" already paints that picture. Similarly, saying "skilled chefs crafted gourmet dishes" is redundant. Aren't all chefs supposed to be skilled? The essence of both a wizard and a chef shines through without extra embellishment.

The Case of "Very" and "Much"
I don't share the same disdain for "very" and "much" that some teachers do (though I’m no teacher myself, ha!). Phrases like "very excited" or "much appreciated" can be perfectly fine. However, it's wise to test whether they’re necessary. Read your sentence with and without these words. If the meaning remains clear and strong without them, ditch the extra baggage.

When Adjectives Are Overkill
Consider how strong nouns can stand on their own without adjectives. For instance: "A large brown Labrador retriever chased a terrified young boy with curly hair holding a red rubber ball who had just run away from the cranky old man in the blue house on Elm Street." Now, compare it to: "A dog chased a boy who had run away from a man." See the difference? The latter is concise and impactful. Decide how much detail each noun needs based on its importance to your story. Does the reader need to know the dog's breed, colour, or size? Maybe the Labrador is a known character in the neighbourhood. It’s your call as a writer to balance detail and clarity.

The Overwritten Sentence: A Real Example
I once stumbled upon this gem in a book from the '90s: "She sipped a steaming hot cup of rich, dark coffee as the red sports car zoomed down the freshly paved asphalt road." Cringe-worthy, right? Do we need to specify the coffee's temperature and color when most people assume coffee is hot and dark? And unless the car’s color is plot-relevant, why mention it? A cleaner version: "She sipped coffee as the sports car zoomed down the road."

Choosing the Best Nouns
This timeless piece of advice holds true: strong nouns trump adjectives. Think about how to describe a fierce dog. "Fang" immediately springs to mind for most. But you could also go with "Beast" or "Rex" if you’re feeling classic. Sometimes, just "monster" does the trick.
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The Adjective Purge: A Practical Tip
Here's a neat trick: strip your draft of every adjective. Then, read through it and only reintroduce the ones that are absolutely necessary. I’ve recommended this to my clients and writers I critique. The result? Tighter, more engaging prose. Always!

In summary, while adjectives can add colour to your writing, overusing them can muddy your message. Focus on finding the strongest nouns and verbs to convey your story. Your readers (and editors) will thank you!