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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. | ||