Adverb

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Adverb
(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. Most adverbs end in ~ly, but not all do: “now”, “later”, “still” “again” “moreover”, “further”, “also”, “besides”, “too” can all function as adverbs and 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, or any literature that aspires to wit or elegance. If you find yourself resorting to an adverb, always look first for a better verb.

“Jane struck the ball firmly through the covers and proceeded quickly to the non-striker’s end.”

“Jane smeared the ball through the covers and galloped to the non-striker’s end.”

Few sentences cannot be improved by removing adverbs.