How do you eliminate and replace extraneous adverbs?

[supercheesegirl]

west_side asks, "How do you eliminate and replace extraneous adverbs?"

First of all, what's an adverb? An adverb is at its root a word that describes or modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In any sentence, an adverb answers the questions how, when, where or to what degree something is happening. If you're not clear on what exactly an adverb is

Comments

[ldymusyc]

THIS is so very hard for me. I've finally surrendered to just allowing myself to write the adverbs in on the first pass, then go through and cut most of them out before posting.

[supercheesegirl]

That's the best way to do it! Get the words on the page first, and then look for adverbs on revision.

[mamaffy]

Thanks a lot for this very helpful post. I tend to dislike adverbs in general and I question each and every one in my own texts. That was more of an emotional thing for me, though, I found adverbs kind of corny and annoying. Your arguments helped me to clarify this dislike and I also got an idea on how to decide about their usefulness. I enjoyed this. \o/

[supercheesegirl]

Glad to be of service! Adverbs definitely have their place, and there are times when using one can be the most expedient way to express something. It's good to be able to distinguish between those times and the times when adverbs are corny!

[haldoor]

Thanks; I found this article of great help! ;-)

[supercheesegirl]

Glad to hear it!

thnx

[ext_2672758]

this article helped heaps with my writing, so thank you.
And I loved your use of doctor who related sentences.

RE: thnx

[supercheesegirl]

I'm so glad someone is still finding this useful a few years after I wrote it!! Happy to help!