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I remember the first time I read about writing. The golden rule was never to use adverbs—not even one! They also told me to avoid adverbs in dialogue tags, like “she said quietly.”
Why Do We Even Have Adverbs? So, if adverbs are so bad, why do they even exist? Are they just lazy authors’ crutches, morphing adjectives into quick fixes? Or maybe they have a purpose and can actually be useful without making a writer seem lazy or confused. The Case for Speaking Softly Let’s take this example: “Lila fidgeted with her scarf, glanced at her watch, and said softly, ‘I’m not sure where he went.’” Here, Lila’s actions show she’s unsure, and speaking softly is a natural part of being uncertain, right? Sure, we could say she spoke quietly, gently, or hesitantly, but does any word fit better than “softly”? “Quietly” might suggest she’s being discreet, not that her tone is gentle and unsure. Let’s try another version: “Lila fidgeted with her scarf, glanced at her watch, and said loudly, ‘I’m not sure where he went.’” Now, she might just be impatient or frustrated. If we strip it down to: “Lila fidgeted with her scarf, glanced at her watch, and said, ‘I’m not sure where he went,’” she seems unsure, but we can’t be sure. Using “softly” or "loudly" here gives us a clear picture of her state of mind without extra sentences. Adverbs Aren’t All Bad Looking back at our example, does any other adverb fit Lila’s mood better than “softly”? And more importantly, can we convey the same clarity without it? Sure, we could add a few more sentences, but “softly” does the job perfectly in just one word. But Don’t Go Overboard This isn’t a free pass to sprinkle adverbs all over your writing. A well-placed adverb can be as powerful as any other word used wisely. However, despite their existence, you should avoid using words like "smilingly" or "tiredly". Almost any adjective can become an adverb with “-ly,” but that doesn’t mean you should use them all. Adverbs, like adjectives, have their place, but only after you’ve searched for the best verb or noun. So use adverbs, but do so with care and purpose. They’re not the villains of grammar but must be used wisely to enhance your writing, not clutter it.
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Remember that high school English teacher who insisted on the most colourful, flowery descriptions? Maybe you encountered the same enthusiasm in college, reading works by MFA (Master of Fine Arts) darlings who seemed determined to adorn every noun with glittering adjectives. While adverbs often get a bad rap, adjectives are equally guilty of cluttering your prose. Let's chat about why less is more when it comes to adjectives.
Adjectives vs. Adverbs: The Same Rules Apply Just like a strong verb makes an adverb redundant, the right noun eliminates the need for an adjective. Think about it: if you describe someone as a "wizard," do you really need to add that he's a "mysterious wizard with powerful magic"? The word "wizard" already paints that picture. Similarly, saying "skilled chefs crafted gourmet dishes" is redundant. Aren't all chefs supposed to be skilled? The essence of both a wizard and a chef shines through without extra embellishment. The Case of "Very" and "Much" I don't share the same disdain for "very" and "much" that some teachers do (though I’m no teacher myself, ha!). Phrases like "very excited" or "much appreciated" can be perfectly fine. However, it's wise to test whether they’re necessary. Read your sentence with and without these words. If the meaning remains clear and strong without them, ditch the extra baggage. When Adjectives Are Overkill Consider how strong nouns can stand on their own without adjectives. For instance: "A large brown Labrador retriever chased a terrified young boy with curly hair holding a red rubber ball who had just run away from the cranky old man in the blue house on Elm Street." Now, compare it to: "A dog chased a boy who had run away from a man." See the difference? The latter is concise and impactful. Decide how much detail each noun needs based on its importance to your story. Does the reader need to know the dog's breed, colour, or size? Maybe the Labrador is a known character in the neighbourhood. It’s your call as a writer to balance detail and clarity. The Overwritten Sentence: A Real Example I once stumbled upon this gem in a book from the '90s: "She sipped a steaming hot cup of rich, dark coffee as the red sports car zoomed down the freshly paved asphalt road." Cringe-worthy, right? Do we need to specify the coffee's temperature and color when most people assume coffee is hot and dark? And unless the car’s color is plot-relevant, why mention it? A cleaner version: "She sipped coffee as the sports car zoomed down the road." Choosing the Best Nouns This timeless piece of advice holds true: strong nouns trump adjectives. Think about how to describe a fierce dog. "Fang" immediately springs to mind for most. But you could also go with "Beast" or "Rex" if you’re feeling classic. Sometimes, just "monster" does the trick. The Adjective Purge: A Practical Tip Here's a neat trick: strip your draft of every adjective. Then, read through it and only reintroduce the ones that are absolutely necessary. I’ve recommended this to my clients and writers I critique. The result? Tighter, more engaging prose. Always! In summary, while adjectives can add colour to your writing, overusing them can muddy your message. Focus on finding the strongest nouns and verbs to convey your story. Your readers (and editors) will thank you! Have you ever picked up a book only to groan at the unnecessary setup for a phone call? You know, the precise details about Janice walking to the phone, punching in numbers with her index finger, and waiting for Ann to pick up? Ugh, we've all been there. Let's put an end to that, shall we?
And what about those scenes where characters exchange pleasantries with receptionists? *Yawn.* As Janice entered the reception area outside Ann's office, she approached the desk where a man sat. "Hi there," she greeted him warmly. "I'm Janice Smith, here for a meeting with Ann Jones. She's been expecting me." The man nodded politely. "Just a moment, please," he said, reaching for his phone. After a brief exchange with the person on the other end, he turned back to Janice with a smile. "Mrs. Jones is ready to see you now," he said, gesturing towards the office door. Avoid getting bogged down in mundane details like office introductions—they're the fastest way to slow down your story's momentum. Let's delve into the concept of pacing. Over-describing mundane activities can quickly derail a story's momentum. We're not here for Janice's leisurely walk to the phone or polite conversation with a receptionist. We crave action, drama, and intrigue! When it comes to writing, keep in mind that less is often more. Trim the unnecessary, cut the excess, and focus on the essence. Your readers will relish the dynamic narrative. So, the next time you're tempted to indulge in unnecessary details, remember that pacing is crucial, and brevity is your trusted companion. |
James Field
Talvik, Norway You can also Find me on subscribe to get a free copy
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