If you catch an adjective, kill it. what does this mean
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"When you catch an adjective, kill it." - by Mark Twain.
Kill it when it does not change the meaning of the sentence. Adjectives are all too often used to try to add emphasis, interest or color to a sentence, and when this is done, usually the consequence is to dilute the meaning of the sentence rather than enhance it. Exactly the same is true of adverbs. If you want to write attentively, then write out your sentence twice, both with and without the adjective, and compare them.
My preferred example is as follows:
i) It was a joyous occasion.
=> It was an occasion.
"When you catch an adjective, kill it." - by Mark Twain.
Kill it when it does not change the meaning of the sentence. Adjectives are all too often used to try to add emphasis, interest or color to a sentence, and when this is done, usually the consequence is to dilute the meaning of the sentence rather than enhance it. Exactly the same is true of adverbs. If you want to write attentively, then write out your sentence twice, both with and without the adjective, and compare them.
My preferred example is as follows:
i) It was a joyous occasion.
=> It was an occasion.
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it is the narrative using the adjective or a character using it in speech or thought.
If it is part of a character’s dialog or monologue then it may be worth keeping even if it isn’t as compelling. The character may talk and think that way and should produce sentences that match their own style.
If it is part of a character’s dialog or monologue then it may be worth keeping even if it isn’t as compelling. The character may talk and think that way and should produce sentences that match their own style.
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