When is the use of adjectives in writing bad?
Well, it does certainly depend on the kind of writing you’re doing, and also the kind of adjectives. Let’s say you’re describing a landscape. With a lot of adjectives: The trees are tall and green against the bright blue sky. There are many beautiful butterflies. In the distance are high snow-capped mountains with jagged peaks. Nearby is a babbling brook of fresh, clear, cold water. (12 adjectives, four verbs, all of them “be”) With more verbs: The tall green trees contrast with the bright blue sky. Butterflies flutter above the grass. In the distance, snow-capped mountains loom, their jagged peaks piercing the sky. Nearby, a brook babbles and splashes on its rocky bed. (7 adjectives, 5 verbs plus a participle, all different) Which sounds more vivid?
