Grammar

2.89 modifying '-ed' adjectives

Classifying '-ed' adjectives cannot normally be submodified with ordinary submodifiers such as 'quite' and 'very'. However, an adverb of manner, (see paragraphs 6.36 to 6.44) or an adverb of degree, (see paragraphs 6.45 to 6.52) is often used before an '-ed' adjective.

For example, 'a pleasantly furnished room' is a room which has been furnished with pleasant furniture.

...pleasantly furnished rooms.
...his carefully detailed plan.

2.90

Some '-ed' adjectives do not make sense on their own, and an adverb is necessary to complete the sense. We do not usually talk about 'dressed people' because people usually wear clothes, but we can say that they are 'well dressed' or 'smartly dressed' for example. The '-ed' adjectives in the following examples nearly always have an adverb in front of them.

...a cautiously worded statement.
...impeccably dressed men.
...strongly motivated students.
It was a richly deserved honour.
...superbly cut clothes.
...the existence of a highly developed national press.
...a large and well equipped army.
...a tall, powerfully built man.
...perfectly formed people.

Note that combinations like this are sometimes hyphenated, making them compound adjectives.

...a well-equipped army.