An adverb is a word modifying a verb. For example, in the phrase "whispered softly," "softly" is the adverb. It modifies, or details, the word "whispered."
Let me explain why I hate adverbs with the intensity of a thousand suns. 98.5% of the time, nothing is more redundant than an adverb. To whisper is to speak softly. It is soft by definition. There is no reason to add softly to a word meaning to speak softly. "Whispered" stands perfectly well on its own as a verb describing a specific action.
Of course, adverbs have their place, otherwise they wouldn't exist. I make a point of hating adverbs because too many writers use them too much. Adverbs act as crutches for their own ignorance of the English language. When a writer knows a copious amount of good, specific verbs, they will not even think about using an adverb. The verb they use is too good alone to ruin with another word.
The only case where I allow myself an adverb is the time when the exact verb needed is so obscure no one except a logophile would know what it means. That is the 1.5%. I love the word tintinnabulate. It describes the sound a bell makes. It even sounds like the sound a bell makes. I love it. However, I can't use it except in the oddest of dialogue because so few people know what it means and it will detract from the story.
As mentioned, adverbs have become the crutch of the modern writer. It keeps them from studying and learning the thousands of wonderful verbs English offers.
Therefore, I hate them and encourage their hate with every writer I talk with. I am of the mind it is better to be without something than to not be able to stand without it. If in the rare instance I need an adverb, it is there, but I always try to avoid it.
Killing adverbs is my rule.
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What do you think? Do you find yourself using an adverb because it is easier than researching for a better word?
Let me explain why I hate adverbs with the intensity of a thousand suns. 98.5% of the time, nothing is more redundant than an adverb. To whisper is to speak softly. It is soft by definition. There is no reason to add softly to a word meaning to speak softly. "Whispered" stands perfectly well on its own as a verb describing a specific action.
Of course, adverbs have their place, otherwise they wouldn't exist. I make a point of hating adverbs because too many writers use them too much. Adverbs act as crutches for their own ignorance of the English language. When a writer knows a copious amount of good, specific verbs, they will not even think about using an adverb. The verb they use is too good alone to ruin with another word.
The only case where I allow myself an adverb is the time when the exact verb needed is so obscure no one except a logophile would know what it means. That is the 1.5%. I love the word tintinnabulate. It describes the sound a bell makes. It even sounds like the sound a bell makes. I love it. However, I can't use it except in the oddest of dialogue because so few people know what it means and it will detract from the story.
As mentioned, adverbs have become the crutch of the modern writer. It keeps them from studying and learning the thousands of wonderful verbs English offers.
Therefore, I hate them and encourage their hate with every writer I talk with. I am of the mind it is better to be without something than to not be able to stand without it. If in the rare instance I need an adverb, it is there, but I always try to avoid it.
Killing adverbs is my rule.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
What do you think? Do you find yourself using an adverb because it is easier than researching for a better word?