Enhancing with adjectives

Techniques > Use of language > Parts of speech > Using adjectives > Enhancing with adjectives

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Use adjectives to add enhancement to nouns and create richer communication. It can also used to exaggerate beyond the real meaning, either by stacking adjectives or (for particular emphasis) repeating them.

The adjectives can be enhanced further by the use of adverbs.

The noun is not always necessary, as the adjective may contain the significant emotion that is being expressed.

Example

I am unemployed, broke and destitute. Please help. (stacking adjectives)

You are a wonderful, wonderful person. (exaggerating more with repetition)

I am a really helpful person. (enhancing adjective with adverb)

That's good! (omitted noun)

Discussion

Adjectives describe nouns, and can be used to enrich a sentence by telling you more about the nouns. Adjectives often include emotional aspects, and hence can turn a cold noun into a warm subject.

When nouns are the subject of a sentence, they are the focus of attention. Less attention is paid to adjectives. As a result, using adjectives can be more subtle.