Tony Rossiter explores great words from great writers
An adjective is a word that qualifies, modifies or describes a noun. Sometimes it’s essential, sometimes it’s optional: it all depends on the context. Usually an adjective answers one of four questions: What kind? (It was a boring lecture.) Which one? (Meet me outside the Anglican cathedral.) How many? (There are three characters in the play.) How much? (There is ample space to park your car.)
Some qualifying adjectives can be dumped without any loss of meaning. Consider the following common combinations: important essentials, past history, absolute certainty, advance warning, general consensus, future prospects, safe haven, usual habit. In each of these cases, the adjective is superfluous and can be deleted.