Adverb: Difference between revisions

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An {{tag|adverb}} modifies a {{tag|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 on.
{{a|plainenglish|}}{{d|Adverb||n|}}<br>
A word you use when you can’t think of a better [[verb]]. A good writer’s capitulation. An {{tag|adverb}} modifies a {{tag|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 not welcome in legal writing, or any other literature that aspires to wit or elegance. If you find yourself resorting to an [[adverb]], always look first for a better {{tag|verb}}.
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 {{tag|verb}}.


“Jane '''hit the ball firmly''' through the covers and '''ran quickly''' to the non-striker’s end.”
“Jane '''hit the ball firmly''' through the covers and '''ran quickly''' to the non-striker’s end.”


“Jane '''smoked''' the ball through the covers and '''galloped''' to the non-striker’s end.”
“Jane '''smoked''' the ball through the covers and '''galloped''' to the non-striker’s end.”
{{plainenglish}}

Revision as of 18:06, 13 March 2021

Towards more picturesque speech™


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Adverb
(n.)

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 hit the ball firmly through the covers and ran quickly to the non-striker’s end.”

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

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