Parts of Speech: Adverbs
Some writers (and editors) argue that adverbs are the most unnecessary words in the English language. Why say “She ran quickly” when you can simply say “She sprinted?”
Understanding the construction of language begins with learning the parts of speech. If you know that adverbs can be extraneous, then you can scan your writing to see if you are using too many adverbs, and you can check for adverbs that aren’t necessary, particularly adverb-verb combinations that can be replaced with a better, more descriptive, single verb (such as in the example above where “ran quickly” is replaced with “sprinted”).
Why do so many people rail against adverbs? Using our example again, think about which sentence evokes a stronger image. Most readers would agree that “She ran quickly” is vague whereas “She sprinted” is specific and easier to visualize.
Adverbs: How, When, and Where
Here’s a a quick definition of an adverb:
Adverbs are like adjectives in that they are modifiers, but they modify any other type of word or phrase except for nouns. Examples of adverbs include quickly and dark (as in dark red where the adverb dark modifies the adjective red).
An adverb is one of the eight parts of speech. Specifically, adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Adverbs may also modify sentences and clauses. So, how do you spot a adverb?
Adverbs often answer questions. How did she run? She ran quickly. Adverbs also answer when, where, and to what extent:
- She ran yesterday.
- She ran backwards.
- She ran eternally.
There are other ways to spot an adverb. They often have an -ly suffix attached to a word that originally was a noun (quickly). However, just because a word ends with -ly does not mean it’s an adverb or that it is a derivative of a noun. Here’s a bit of trivia: the -ly suffix is related to the word like. How did she run? She ran passionately. She ran like passion.
Another suffix we often see attached to adverbs is -wise. She ran clockwise around the track. As with -ly, the -wise ending does not guarantee that a word is an adverb, but it can be a good indicator.
Gerunds
Gerunds are verbs acting as nouns, and they end in -ing. In the following sentence, the word “running,” which one would expect to be a verb, functions as a noun:
Running is her favorite activity.
Gerunds acting as adverbs are relatively rare but they do occur, especially with expressions of profanity: She was effing running!
Comparative Adverbs
Ever wonder about words that help us make comparisons?
- She runs more (or less) than I do.
- Who runs the most (or the least)?
- She runs more quickly than I do.
These too are adverbs. Other comparative adverbs are created by adding suffixes, such as -er (She’s a faster runner) or -est (She’s the fastest runner).
Do you have any insights to add about adverbs? Do you have any questions about adverbs or any other parts of speech? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
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[...] of the time, adjectives and adverbs aren’t necessary. Want an example? You got [...]
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[...] let me explain. When we talk, we say words like “really, just, like, actually” (which are adverbs and adjectives) in our speech. There is a good advice on the Web recommending writing like we talk. [...]
> “She sprinted” is specific and easier to visualize.
Perfect example!
I think that’s a great insight for tuning and pruning language for more evocative and punchy prose.
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Information Overload is Not the Problem – It’s Filter Failure =-.
I’ve been using that example in my head for years
Usually in the first draft I use a ton of adverbs, it’s usually because I can’t think of the right word but just keep plowing through. It makes for an entertaining read.
.-= Hannah´s last blog ..Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? =-.
I think it’s better to write a lot and have plenty of material to work with because you can always cut. I find that it’s easier to cut than to add. Also, sometimes it’s much easier to use plenty of adverbs and then sit down later and try to find stronger replacements.
Adverbs are apostrophes. They do everything! But at the same time, if they’re used too much, or used incorrectly, they just get in the way.
.-= –Deb´s last blog ..Sometimes You Don’t Need Words =-.
It’s so true. I didn’t realize how adverbs are overused until I re-read The Elements of Style (last year), and now I find extraneous adverbs much more noticeable!
I like adverbs way too much. And in my first drafts, I use them quite profusely.
.-= Hannah´s last blog ..A Couple Book Reviews =-.
There are lots of fun adverbs and sometimes, there just isn’t a better, single verb.