WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Grammar Minute: A Warning Against Adjective Overuse

Episode Date: January 27, 2025

You've probably heard it before: "Show, don't tell." Here's one tip to make that happen on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we're saving the English language 60 seconds at a time. I'm Lauren Smith and I'm back to warn you again about adjectives. Consider this sentence. The gorgeous, colorful sunset rose over the grassy hills, casting dancing shadows over the dewy ground. That definitely paints a vivid picture, but to most readers this will feel like way too much. Every adjective forces the reader to add complexity to the picture your words generate in their mind. If you use too many adjectives, you risk clashing with the picture they already have or overwhelming them with detail to the point they completely forget the bigger picture. Plus, adjectives are a cheap way to tell instead of showing.

This doesn't mean you can't use adjectives. It does mean that, like most things, you should use them in moderation and only when they're really necessary. That's your Grammar Minute. Visit ThegramMinnit.com for more tips and tricks.