Strong Adverbs
Adverbs are unhappy if continually seconded to shore up weak verbs.
Not – ran quickly. But – Raced or speeded. Not – fell clumsily. But – stumbled or tripped.
Clear those extraneous adverbs out from underfoot.
What adverbs really like to do is contrast with their verb, or add something unexpected. Adverbs love to pair with a perky verb that's doing all the work it possibly can. Then the adverb twists its tail.
Raced inanely. Speeded futilely. Tripped open-handed. Stumbled slyly
Thanks Joanna. My CP insists that all adverbs are vermin and should not be used but I have always felt that an adverb used correctly can make a sentence.
ReplyDeleteCas
Hi Cas --
ReplyDeleteHave faith in your own opinion. If you've stopped and looked at your adverb and you know it's improving the sentence -- go with it.
The bad adverbs are
those that suck up next to the verb 'said',
cliche adverbs,
and yer generally flabby fellows like pretty, very, somewhat, rather . . .