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Common Errors Workbook |
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Grammar |
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4. Empty intensifiers |
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We consider intensifiers—words that intensify nouns, verbs, adverbs, and other adjectives—"empty" if they are imprecise, redundant, or virtually meaningless in the sentence. Take three steps to identify and replace them:
Look for these words: definitely, awfully, very, totally, incredibly, cool, really, particularly.
The dogs were definitely eager to get off their leashes and really run.
When you find one of the words, try reading the sentence without the intensifier. Is the meaning unchanged or weaker without it?
The dogs were eager to get off their leashes and run.
If the answer to the question in step 2 is yes, either omit the intensifier or replace it with a word that conveys your meaning more precisely.
The dogs were straining to get off their leashes and run free.
Remember: As Mark Twain wrote in Pudd'nhead Wilson, "As to the Adjective: When in doubt, strike it out." And the same goes for adverbs.
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