Writing with Adjectives
Continual and Continuous, and the Other Pairs One Letter Apart
One means repeatedly, the other means without stopping. A handful of near-identical pairs carry real distinctions, and a handful carry…
The right word, for whatever you are trying to describe
Adjective lists for every subject you might write about, and plain-English guides to using them well. Free, and written to be read in a couple of minutes.
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One half teaches you to use adjectives well. The other hands you the words.
333 guides
Writing with Adjectives
How adjectives behave in a sentence — the order they fall into, how they compare, when they carry opinion rather than fact, and how to reach for a vivid word without overreaching.
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Adjectives by Subject
Curated describing words for people, food, places, feelings, work and more — each list sorted by shade of meaning, with example sentences so you can hear how the word behaves.
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Pick the subject you are writing about — the list is already made.
Objects & Everyday Things
131 lists
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127 lists
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115 lists
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90 lists
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Writing with Adjectives
Comprise, Compose, Consist: The One That Takes No “Of”
The whole comprises the parts. The parts compose the whole. And "is comprised of" is the construction that starts arguments.
Writing with Adjectives
Imply and Infer Are Opposite Ends of the Same Act
The speaker implies. The listener infers. Confusing them is common enough that some dictionaries now record the error, which does…
Writing with Adjectives
“Which” and “That”: The Comma Tells You Which One
One introduces information you can remove; the other introduces information the sentence needs. The comma is not decoration — it…
Writing with Adjectives
Affect and Effect: One Trick Covers Ninety Percent of Cases
Affect is usually the verb, effect is usually the noun, and the exceptions are rare enough to learn individually.
Writing with Adjectives
Capital Letters: The Rules Beyond the Obvious
Everyone knows sentences and names. The trouble is job titles, seasons, directions, and the compulsion to capitalise anything that feels…
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Editors’ picks
Writing with Adjectives
Adjectives of Destruction: A Comprehensive Grammar Guide
Adjectives of destruction are powerful words that vividly describe the nature and extent of damage. Mastering these adjectives enriches your…
Writing with Adjectives
Unlocking “Adjectives for Free”: Mastering Adjective Phrases
Understanding adjectives and how they function within phrases is crucial for crafting vivid and precise language. Adjective phrases, often referred…
People & Relationships
Describing Dad: A Guide to Adjectives for “Papa”
Choosing the right words to describe your father, or “Papa,” can be a powerful way to express your love, respect,…
Animals & Creatures
Buzzworthy Words: Mastering Adjectives for Bees
Bees, those industrious pollinators, play a critical role in our ecosystem. Describing them accurately and vividly requires a rich vocabulary,…
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Grammar essentials
01
Describing Campus Life: Mastering Adjectives for Academic Settings
Writing with Adjectives · 26 min
02
Descriptive Adjectives: Mastering Types and Usage
Writing with Adjectives · 19 min
03
Mastering Adjectives: A Comprehensive Guide to Descriptive Words
Writing with Adjectives · 16 min
04
Describing Deliciousness: Mastering Adjectives for Menus
Writing with Adjectives · 14 min
05
Descriptive Adjectives: Enhancing Conversational English
Writing with Adjectives · 17 min
06
Descriptive Adjectives: Enhancing Your Poetry
Writing with Adjectives · 12 min
07
Descriptive Adjectives for Plans: A Comprehensive Guide
Writing with Adjectives · 15 min
08
Descriptive Adjectives: A Guide to Describing Scents
Writing with Adjectives · 16 min
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Plain-English grammar guides and curated adjective lists. Free to read, checked against Merriam-Webster, Chicago and AP before publication.
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