Writing with Adverbs

Quickly, think of an adverb. (Hint: the first word of this post.) The adverbs most often cited end in "ly". That's close, but not a comprehensive answer, because other words that don't end in ly are also adverbs. For example: most, often, well, sideways, edgewise, and very are all adverbs.

You may have heard adverbs described as words that modify a verb (the action part of a phrase). That is true, but still incomplete. Adverbs also modify adjectives and other adverbs. And an adverb isn't limited to a single word, sometimes appearing as a phrase or clause.

Adverbs modify other parts of speech by indicating factors such as where, what (extent or kind), when, how (much, frequently or often). Below are some examples with the adverbs italicized:

Rickie went slowly to the door.
Susan thought well of the teacher.
Doing the work too fast leads to mistakes.

The last one displays an adverb (too) modifying another adverb (fast).

Using adverbs frequently (there's one!) is out of fashion these days, at least in writing and according to some editors. Why? Because you can show the same effect by using strong, specific or colorful action verbs. This improves fiction writing, but there's nothing wrong with spicing up your nonfiction a little, and it can be a mainstay of creative fiction, whatever that is. Here's how, using the same three examples:

Rickie shuffled to the door.
Susan admired the teacher.
Racing through the work causes mistakes.

I like adverbs, as long as they don't prop up weak verbs like have, do, and forms of to be. Sprinkle them judiciously throughout your writing, and I'll let them pass.