Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we’re saving the English language sixty seconds at a time! I’m Lauren Smyth, and today I’m going to make the case for fabulous descriptors.

Adjectives and adverbs are usually boring. A few of the most overused descriptors in these categories include good, fine, quickly, fast, amazing, actually, unique, and the absolute worst offender of all—very. If I could pick just one word to banish from the English language, it would be “very.” Under no circumstances do you need to use this word.

Instead of saying something is “good,” say that it’s delicious, delightful, fascinating, lovely, remarkable, or exceptional. If something is “unique,” say it’s rare, special, extraordinary, unrivaled, or outstanding. Instead of tacking on “very” to emphasize your point, just pick a better adjective or adverb. Some of my favorites include abject, incendiary, nondescript, pervasive, plucky, succinct, taciturn, and wheedling. Notice that none of these words are particularly long or obscure. Nor are they interesting—another overused word—but instead, they’re imaginative.

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