Adverb: Difference between revisions
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{{a|plainenglish|}}{{d|Adverb||n|}}{{quote|“Using adverbs is a mortal sin.” | {{a|plainenglish|}}{{d|Adverb|/ˈædvɜːb/|n|}}{{quote|“Using adverbs is a mortal sin.” | ||
:— Elmore Leonard}} | :— Elmore Leonard}} | ||
A word you use when you can’t think of a better [[verb]]. A good writer’s | A word you use when you can’t think of a better [[verb]]. A good writer’s ''capitulation''. | ||
Adverbs are unwelcome in legal writing | An {{tag|adverb}} ''modifies'' a {{tag|verb}}. It makes it stronger, weaker, more or less specific. Most end in ~ly, but not all do: “now”, “later”, “still” “again” “moreover”, “further”, “also”, “besides”, “too” can all function as adverbs, but note how ''redundant'' they tend to be: | ||
“I will see you ''later''”; “I am ''now'' reading”; “I have some ''further'' thoughts” — they render idiomatic without adding any content. | |||
You can, of course create [[adverbial phrases]] like “on top of”, “over and above”, “into the bargain”, “by the same token” and so ''tiresomely'' (<-- also an adverb) on. | |||
Adverbs are unwelcome in legal writing — in any literature that aspires to elegance. Before reaching for one, look for a better {{tag|verb}}. | |||
“Jane '''struck the ball firmly''' through the covers and '''proceeded quickly''' to the non-striker’s end.” | “Jane '''struck the ball firmly''' through the covers and '''proceeded quickly''' to the non-striker’s end.” | ||
“Jane ''' | “Jane '''spanked''' the ball through the covers and '''galloped''' to the non-striker’s end.” | ||
Few sentences cannot be improved by removing [[adverb]]s. | Few sentences cannot be improved by removing [[adverb]]s. | ||
Revision as of 15:15, 11 September 2023
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Towards more picturesque speech™
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Adverb
/ˈædvɜːb/ (n.)
“Using adverbs is a mortal sin.”
- — Elmore Leonard
A word you use when you can’t think of a better verb. A good writer’s capitulation.
An adverb modifies a verb. It makes it stronger, weaker, more or less specific. Most end in ~ly, but not all do: “now”, “later”, “still” “again” “moreover”, “further”, “also”, “besides”, “too” can all function as adverbs, but note how redundant they tend to be:
“I will see you later”; “I am now reading”; “I have some further thoughts” — they render idiomatic without adding any content. You can, of course create adverbial phrases like “on top of”, “over and above”, “into the bargain”, “by the same token” and so tiresomely (<-- also an adverb) on.
Adverbs are unwelcome in legal writing — in any literature that aspires to elegance. Before reaching for one, look for a better verb.
“Jane struck the ball firmly through the covers and proceeded quickly to the non-striker’s end.”
“Jane spanked the ball through the covers and galloped to the non-striker’s end.”
Few sentences cannot be improved by removing adverbs.