updated equipment, for instance), but to employees or guests it’s probably
irrelevant. It may also be confusing. What has the fact that it’s computerized
got to do with the fact that it will be tested on Tuesday? It’s
more concise to eliminate it.
Sometimes the adjective is redundant, as in this example:
The memo provides helpful suggestions about maximizing your new
computer’s capabilities.
What other kind of suggestions would you publish in a memo? Other
adjective alternatives beg the same question: Are they useful suggestions?
One hopes so. Relevant suggestions? They ought to be. Valuable suggestions?
Good, but as with “helpful,” why would you publish them if
they weren’t valuable? Better to let the noun do the work:
The memo provides suggestions about maximizing your new computer’s
capabilities.
Use adjectives when they’re necessary to impart correct information,
and avoid them when they don’t. When you use adjectives, be sure to
choose words that accurately express your meaning. For example, consider
these two sentences:
Mary was very happy to receive a promotion.
Mary was thrilled to receive a promotion.
Thrilled means “very happy” and is a more exact and interesting
choice. Words such as very and good are weak and can almost always
be replaced by a more precise and engaging term.
Modifying Phrases May Confuse Your Readers
Misplaced modifying phrases sometimes result in odd, even humorous
interpretations. Be certain to position the modifying word or phrase as close
as possible to the term that is being modified. Consider, for example:
One of our executives has been sent to a counselor with a drinking
problem.