Using Strong Adjectives for Writing Impactful Copy

Guide to Using Strong Adjectives for Writing Impactful Copy

In copywriting, adjectives are essential tools that can transform ordinary descriptions into compelling, persuasive messages. By using strong adjectives, you can evoke emotions, create vivid imagery, and make your products or services stand out in the minds of your readers. A strong adjective can elevate your writing from being merely descriptive to being truly engaging and memorable.

This guide will show you how to replace common, less impactful adjectives with stronger, more effective ones to improve your copy. We’ll also explore how absolute adjectives work, as they tend to add a sense of certainty and intensity to your writing.

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What Are Strong Adjectives?

Strong adjectives are words that convey a powerful emotion, quality, or intensity. They go beyond merely describing an object or experience; they amplify it. Instead of saying something is “nice” or “good,” strong adjectives use more forceful terms like “breathtaking” or “outstanding” to grab the reader’s attention.

For example:

• Instead of saying, “It’s a nice hat,” you can say, “It’s a breathtaking hat.”
• Instead of saying, “We offer good service,” you can say, “We offer exceptional service.”

Strong adjectives are often absolute, meaning they cannot be graded. You wouldn’t say something is “a bit breathtaking,” for instance. These adjectives tend to work best with intensifiers like “absolutely” or “utterly,” though the use of “quite” is still seen in more formal or older forms of English.

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Common vs. Stronger Adjectives

Below is a list of common, weaker adjectives and their stronger, more impactful counterparts. Use this as a reference to improve your writing and make your copy more persuasive.

List 1: Positive Descriptions

Weaker Adjective	Stronger Adjective
Nice	Breathtaking
Good	Outstanding
Great	Phenomenal
Pretty	Gorgeous
Attractive	Stunning
Big	Enormous
Small	Tiny
Bright	Brilliant
Tasty	Delicious
Fun	Exhilarating
Interesting	Fascinating
Fast	Lightning-fast
Helpful	Indispensable
Happy	Ecstatic
Comfortable	Luxurious

List 2: Negative Descriptions

Weaker Adjective	Stronger Adjective
Bad	Terrible
Ugly	Hideous
Small	Minuscule
Slow	Sluggish
Tired	Exhausted
Dirty	Filthy
Annoying	Infuriating
Sad	Heartbreaking
Scary	Terrifying
Cheap	Shoddy

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How to Use Strong Adjectives in Copywriting

1. Replace Common Adjectives with Stronger Ones

When writing copy, look for weak, overused adjectives and replace them with stronger, more specific options. This change will immediately make your copy more engaging and memorable.

Example:

• Weak: “This is a nice vacation package.”
• Strong: “This is a luxurious vacation package.”

2. Amplify with Intensifiers

Strong adjectives work particularly well with certain intensifiers, especially those that convey certainty and absoluteness. Some common intensifiers for strong adjectives include:

• Absolutely
• Utterly
• Completely
• Exceptionally
• Truly

Example:

• Weak: “This movie is good.”
• Strong: “This movie is absolutely phenomenal.”

3. Avoid Overuse of Strong Adjectives

While strong adjectives can significantly improve your writing, overloading your text with them can have the opposite effect. Aim to use these words strategically and sparingly to create impact without overwhelming the reader.

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Absolute Adjectives and How to Use Them

Absolute adjectives describe qualities that are considered extreme or total, making them ungradable. These adjectives do not have varying degrees (you can’t be “a little” or “very” perfect). Absolute adjectives are often paired with intensifiers like “absolutely” or “utterly,” but not with modifiers such as “slightly” or “somewhat.”

Examples of absolute adjectives:

• Breathtaking
• Perfect
• Unique
• Impossible
• Flawless
• Essential

Correct usage:

• Correct: “This event was absolutely flawless.”
• Incorrect: “This event was somewhat flawless.”

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Common Adjectives and Their Absolute Forms

Weaker Adjective	Absolute Adjective
Good	Perfect
Beautiful	Breathtaking
Unique	One-of-a-kind
Clean	Spotless
Difficult	Impossible
Important	Essential
Impressive	Mind-blowing
Dangerous	Deadly
Smart	Brilliant
Surprising	Shocking

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Examples of Strong Adjectives in Business Copy

1. Product Descriptions

• Weak: “Our shoes are comfortable and nice.”
• Strong: “Our shoes are luxuriously comfortable and utterly stunning.”

2. Service Descriptions

• Weak: “We offer good customer service.”
• Strong: “We offer exceptional customer service that exceeds all expectations.”

3. Advertising Copy

• Weak: “Try our new dessert; it’s tasty.”
• Strong: “Indulge in our new dessert; it’s absolutely delicious and irresistible.”

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Adjective Type	Example Adjectives	Example Sentence
Opinion	lovely, boring, amazing	lovely small French wooden chair
Size	big, small, tiny	big new green sweater
Age	old, young, new	old large metal box
Shape	round, square, rectangular	small round Italian marble table
Color	red, blue, green	beautiful blue silk scarf
Origin	American, French, Italian	small old French cottage
Material	wooden, plastic, metal	lovely big metal box
Purpose/Qualifier	sleeping, running, dining	small round wooden dining table

Example with Multiple Adjectives:

• lovely big round old red Italian leather handbag
  • Opinion: lovely
  • Size: big
  • Shape: round
  • Age: old
  • Color: red
  • Origin: Italian
  • Material: leather
  • Noun: handbag

Enhancing Your Copy with Strong Verbs

In copywriting, verbs play a crucial role in conveying action and creating a dynamic, persuasive tone. While simple verbs like “made,” “give,” or “do” are functional, replacing them with more impactful alternatives can transform your copy into something more engaging and persuasive. Strong verbs evoke emotion, highlight value, and create vivid imagery that connects with your audience.

Here are some examples of common verbs and their stronger, more impactful versions:

Common Verb	Impactful Version	Example in Copy
Made	Crafted	Our furniture is crafted from the finest materials.
Give	Provide	We provide exceptional service to all our clients.
Do	Accomplish	Our team accomplished record sales this quarter.
Help	Empower	We empower businesses to reach their full potential.
Use	Utilize	We utilize the latest technology to ensure quality.
Start	Launch	Launch your fitness journey today with our app.
Get	Achieve	You’ll achieve your goals faster with our proven method.
Buy	Acquire	Acquire this limited-edition artwork before it’s gone.

Why Use Strong Verbs?

• Clarity and Precision: Strong verbs provide a more specific meaning, which helps readers understand the value of your product or service more clearly.
• Evokes Emotion: Impactful verbs engage emotions and make the reader feel more connected to your message.
• Persuasion: Dynamic verbs can encourage action, making it easier to guide readers toward a decision.

Example Transformation:

• Neutral: “Our products are made with care.”
• Impactful: “Our products are crafted with precision and care.”

By replacing simple verbs with stronger, more vivid alternatives, you can create more engaging and persuasive copy that resonates with your audience.

Text 1: Strong Adjectives, Good Copy, and Call to Action

Discover the Unparalleled Comfort of Our Luxurious Sofa

Transform your living space with our exquisite, ultra-soft sofa that combines timeless elegance with unmatched durability. Crafted with premium Italian leather and filled with sumptuous cushions, this sofa is designed to provide you with ultimate relaxation. The sleek and modern design fits seamlessly into any home, while the rich, deep tones of the upholstery add a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this sofa guarantees exceptional comfort and style. Don’t miss the chance to experience the luxury you deserve—order now and elevate your living room!

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Text 2: Neutral Adjectives, No Call to Action

Sofa Description

This sofa is made from leather and comes in a dark color. It has soft cushions and a modern design. The frame is sturdy, and the size fits well in most living rooms. The material is durable, and the color will complement a variety of décor styles. It’s a comfortable option for sitting or relaxing.

Practice Exercise: Replace Weaker Adjectives

Rewrite the following sentences by replacing the weaker adjectives with stronger ones.

1. This dress is nice and fits well. Rewritten: This dress is absolutely stunning and fits perfectly.
2. Our hotel is good for relaxing. Rewritten: Our hotel offers a luxurious and tranquil experience for relaxation.
3. The food was tasty and the service was good. Rewritten: The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was exceptional.