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*********** Adjective (grrr) :o)
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*********** Adjective (grrr) :o) |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration 
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Where do you draw the line? When are you using too many adjectives and when are you using too few? I know that like most topics, there is probably no set answer, but I would like to hear some opinions. [This message has been edited by Christopher (edited 05-20-2000).] |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Opinion - When you use sooooo many, colorful, descriptive, modifying, explanatory, redundant adjectives you're overdoing it; and you even have to use a semi-colon to properly punctuate your sentence. Succinct syntax is much more thought-provoking...  |
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Ron
Administrator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
Posts 8669Michigan, US |
Here's the fairly simple rule I try to follow. During the editing phase (after it's written, not during), I track down every adjective/noun combination and try really, really hard to find a single noun that will express what I had in mind. I can often eliminate 20 to 30 percent of the adjectives just by finding a better noun. Then, I look for instances where a stronger verb or adverb/verb comination can do the describing instead of using an adjective. That usually shoots down another 20 to 30 percent, and often more. Then I get a bit more creative and try to substitute those adjective/noun combinations with suitable metaphors and similes. There goes another 20 to 30 percent. Finally, I go back through after a day or two has passed, and put back about half the adjectives I removed. |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
You know, you're BOTH a ton of help! ROFL!  |
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jbouder Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash |
Anomalous adjectives are one thing ... but misspelled anomalous adjectives are particularly infuriating! (Kamla ... I gave you plenty of time for a free jab at Chris ... why do you disappoint me so?).   |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Hang on. Just hang on here... Jim. You may have ruined your effect - you see, if you spelled the first 'anomalous' as anomolous that is one thing...but by spelling both the correct way...well hmmmmmmm...the jibe just doesn't work as effectively...(I mean if we want to take C down - we have to get him GOOD...) Now - onto the real topic... Lovely little adjectives. Happy little things that imbibe a reader with a morass of imagery and a word-hangover in the morning if over-indulged! But as you say Chris - where DOES one draw the line? I know that it is essential, in novels particularly, to allow a reader to create their own vision of a character or a scene...a place, a world. I mean I feel this may be an example of a binge: 'She walked slowly with a certain lopsided gait into her bright blue bathroom where pretty, polished shells from exotic, imagined locations around the wide, unknown earth graced her immaculately clean, tiled shelves...' Cringe material! (And thankfully made up on the spur...) There is a fine balance between dry and overdone. I always think to keep one's own reading experience in mind while writing helps. Ask the question - am I spoon feeding here? LOL. Let the reader fill in the picture while you provide the frame. K |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
I errr... have NO idea what you're atlking about Jim... HONEST! I, uhh, edited it because...umm...  |
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jbouder Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash |
Christopher: LOL. Check you dictionary, my friend. You are killing me. Jim P.S. I agree, Kamla. I'll follow your lead from now on. Deal? [This message has been edited by jbouder (edited 05-20-2000).] |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
Jim - I don't like you anymore! |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
... or any less!! |
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