Adverbs get a bad rap.
If you’ve ever taken a writing course, perused writer’s forums, or heard soundbites from Stephen King, you’ve likely encountered adverb hate.
The thinking goes like this –
- “Adverbs are largely unnecessary.”
- “Adverbs belittle your audience.”
- “Adverbs are for amateurs.”
The internet writing community has generally come to despise adverbs, and I think that is unfortunate. Like most things, if used properly and in moderation, the lowly adverb can be a great tool that adds flavor to your writing.
That’s some intense paraphrasing, but you get the general idea. The below tips argue in favor of leaving at least some adverbs in your work.