Writing is an Art - Not a Science.
Like painting, writing is an art that allows us to express our ideas and emotions. While painting uses shapes, lines, colors, tones, and textures on a medium or surface to create a two-dimensional or three-dimensional visual representation — writing uses words to convey meaning and evoke emotions.
In linguistics and grammar, a complete sentence consists of a subject and a predicate, and sometimes an object, and it should follow certain rules of grammar, including punctuation and mechanics.
Adverbs play a crucial role in writing. They add color and refine the meaning of verbs, adjectives, and even entire sentences. Adverbs are modifiers, and writers use them to enhance the reader's understanding of the text.
Examples:
Not all adverbs end with "-ly." Some examples include afterward, already, almost, back, better, best, even, far, fast, hard, here, how, late, long, low, more, near, never, next, now, often, quick, rather, slow, so, soon, still, then, today, tomorrow, too, very, well, where, yesterday.
Although adverbs can enhance a sentence, using redundant adverbs is unnecessary.
Examples:
When to use an adverb:
In linguistics and grammar, a complete sentence consists of a subject and a predicate, and sometimes an object, and it should follow certain rules of grammar, including punctuation and mechanics.
Adverbs play a crucial role in writing. They add color and refine the meaning of verbs, adjectives, and even entire sentences. Adverbs are modifiers, and writers use them to enhance the reader's understanding of the text.
Examples:
- Anna walked quickly to the office. "Quickly" modifies the verb "walked."
- Anna rides her horse very comfortably. "Very" modifies the adjective "comfortable."
- Anna is riding her horse somewhat cautiously. "Somewhat" modifies the adverb "cautiously."
- Unfortunately, Anna can't make it to our party. "Unfortunately" modifies the entire sentence.
Not all adverbs end with "-ly." Some examples include afterward, already, almost, back, better, best, even, far, fast, hard, here, how, late, long, low, more, near, never, next, now, often, quick, rather, slow, so, soon, still, then, today, tomorrow, too, very, well, where, yesterday.
Although adverbs can enhance a sentence, using redundant adverbs is unnecessary.
Examples:
- Anna sprints quickly to chase her dog. "Quickly" is redundant because sprinting is always quick.
- Anna pouts sadly at the loss of her shoes. "Sadly" is redundant because pouting is always sad.
Writers should use adverbs thoughtfully and sparingly.
When to use an adverb:
To add context or new information, such as showing time and place.
Example: Anna came early to her friend's wedding rehearsal.
Example: Anna came early to her friend's wedding rehearsal.
To replace clunky phrasing.
Example: Anna gently pulled her sister's hand.
Example: Anna gently pulled her sister's hand.
When other words won't work.
Example: He was crying happily.
Example: He was crying happily.
When to replace an adverb:
When it restates part of the word it modifies or is redundant.
Example: Anna whispered to her sister.
When it restates part of the word it modifies or is redundant.
Example: Anna whispered to her sister.
When it changes a vague or weak verb.
Example: Anna screamed for help as the water gushed in.
Example: Anna screamed for help as the water gushed in.
When you use "very" or "really."
Example: The humongous elephant.
Example: The humongous elephant.
If you want to remove adverbs from your writing, consider using ProWritingAid, which can help identify adverbs and suggest alternative ways to express yourself.
Writing is an art that requires skill, practice, and patience. Adverbs can enhance your writing, but it's crucial to use them thoughtfully and sparingly. Keep writing, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques to improve your craft.
Best regards,
Santosa Laksana.
Best regards,
Santosa Laksana.
