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{{a|plainenglish|}}{{d|Adverb||n|}} | {{a|plainenglish|}}{{d|Adverb||n|}}{{quote|“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 {{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. | 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 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}}. | 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 ''' | “Jane '''struck the ball firmly''' through the covers and '''proceeded quickly''' to the non-striker’s end.” | ||
“Jane ''' | “Jane '''smeared''' the ball through the covers and '''galloped''' to the non-striker’s end.” | ||
Few sentences cannot be improved by removing [[adverb]]s. | |||