The problem with certain words.
In the Never Too Late Academy, we value words and writing. Whether it is writing out your goals or personal mission statement or helping new authors write and promote their books, we are always eager to find the precise words to express ourselves.
Adjectives can enhance your writing—when used judiciously. But let’s be honest: an overload of adjectives, adverbs (i.e., `very`), and superlatives don’t strengthen your message; they dilute it. Instead of drawing readers in, they can make them skeptical, bored, or even dismissive. Why? Because when `content` is packed with over-the-top descriptors, it can feel insincere, lazy, or manipulative. Whether you’re crafting a book, article, report, or an online post about your life, your latest experience, or a new service, beware of overusing adjectives, superlatives, and even the word very`.
I wrote the first draft of my latest book, Dare to Dream, two years ago. For 41 days, I reported online how many words I had written that day and shared a daily writing tip. One of my favorite tips was and still is: Be Wary of Adjectives.
I find reading text that relies too heavily on adjectives, adverbs, and superlatives to exaggerate or manufacture drama is tiring. Instead of adding value, they weaken the message and can raise doubts about the writer’s credibility. Less is more—choose your words carefully, and let your writing speak for itself.
For example, the adverb "very" can seem like a shortcut to emphasize a point, but its usage can often undermine the precision and credibility of your writing. Instead of adding impact, its use undermines your message by relying on vague exaggeration rather than concrete evidence. Saying something is "very important" or "the best ever" may feel persuasive, but without specifics, it risks coming across as lazy or insincere. Readers are more likely to trust and engage with writing that uses precise language and lets facts, examples, and vivid descriptions do the heavy lifting. In a world where trust is hard to earn, words like "very" and other adverbs, adjectives, and overused superlatives are often best left on the cutting room floor.
Why They Set Off the BS Alarm
Empty Promises: Words like "amazing," "unparalleled," and "life-changing" are red flags if the content doesn’t back them up. Readers aren’t fools—they’ve seen enough marketing fluff to know when you’re overselling. Example: Calling your app "the most revolutionary, groundbreaking innovation in tech history" invites skepticism unless you cure diseases or land people on Mars.
Smokescreens for Weak Ideas: Overusing adjectives is often a cover for a lack of substance. If your product, idea, or argument truly stands out, you won’t need a dozen modifiers to make the point. Instead, readers will feel you're compensating for something missing.
Emotional Overload: A barrage of adjectives, adverbs, and superlatives—can feel like someone shouting at you to believe them. It’s exhausting and condescending. A reader's gut reaction? “If you must try this hard, it probably isn’t true.”
How to Avoid Being “That Writer”
Prove It, Don’t Puff It: Don’t tell your reader something is "incredible." Show them why it is. Facts, stories, or vivid details make a stronger case than any stack of adjectives ever could. Instead of: “Our product is an absolutely essential, game-changing, best-in-class solution.” Try: “Our product reduces processing time by 70%, saving your team hours every week.”
Cut the Fluff: Go back through your text and strip out every unnecessary adjective, adverb, and superlative. If the core of your sentence doesn’t hold up without them, the problem isn’t the adjectives—it’s the content.
Respect the Reader’s Intelligence: Assume your audience is sharp. Overloading them with adjectives screams, “I don’t trust you to figure this out for yourself.” Instead, let the facts and narrative shine.
When Words Fall Flat
In a world full of overhyped promises, people are wired to sniff out nonsense. If your writing triggers their BS alarm, they’ll stop reading—or worse, stop trusting.
So, what’s the solution? Think precision, not persuasion. Use adjectives like a scalpel, not a sledgehammer. Let your nouns and verbs carry the weight. The result? Writing that doesn’t just avoid skepticism—it earns respect.