The Wonderful Writing Skills (Un) Handbook

Adverbs

 

The Adverbs Page

I just noticed that if you cut the word in two like this: ad/verb it comes close to what it does, add to verbs.

Adverbs are describing words, and so are Adjectives.

The way you tell them apart is by what part of speech is being described.

Adverbs describe:

  • Verbs: He kissed her furiously. (Describes the verb "kissed.")
  • Adjectives:  Geraldine gave him a really fat lip. (Describes the adjective "fat.")
  • Other adverbs: From then on, Arthur acted very carefully.(Describes the adverb "carefully.")

My personal favorite time to use adverbs is when I'm writing something silly.

 Something that makes fun of outlandish writing.

Outwardly handsome, the mostly tall stranger strode manfully out the terribly open window.

Want to try a silly one or two?  Here's some space:

 

 Those of you with the bright eyed joy of students everywhere may have noticed that a lot of adverbs end with the letters "ly."

Adverbs really like to do that mostly.

Before you go on to explain adjectives and/or adverbs to your MOP, I want you to do something: look at a piece of your writing. 

Notice the adverbs. 

If you're having trouble spotting them, re-read the above description.  

You might also want to look in any handy grammar/handbook you have handy. 

Notice that  whether or not you are able to spot them easily, you're already an expert at using adverbs.

Now try reading your writing leaving out the adverbs. Often, this will give a nice, sharp edge to your writing. Or not. You decide.


To return to Step Two, please click :  Step Two

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Last Modified 2007-05-23