The adverb

Definition

• An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Therefore, adverbs modify three kinds of words that adjectives do not modify.– Queequeg swam slowly. – Ahab is too tall. – I like you, too. – He and she swim well.

Conjunctive adverbs

• Conjunctive adverbs connect two clauses, but are primarily adverbial in function.– I am hungry for lunch; alas, it is only 7:45 am.

• Some examples of CAs– However, therefore, furthermore– Nevertheless, instead, meanwhile– For example, additionally, alas

“If you see an adjective, kill it.”- Mark Twain

The Crayola syndrome

• “Bright yellowy green”—too many modifiers

“Chartreuse” is so much better!• “Light sky blue”—ditto previous

Try “azure.”

“The adverb is not your friend.”-Stephen King

During the first half of the twentieth century, the world greatly changed.

During the first half of the twentieth century, the world changed. = better

Don’t believe elementary advice

• Sometimes we hear that we should use many adjectives and adverbs in our sentences because they make sentences rich and flavorful, but most great writers say the opposite because modifiers often make sentences wordy without making them stronger.

“Write with nouns and verbs.”-Strunk and White

Very, very, very weak

• Sometimes, people use “very” to intensify adjectives, especially when they sense the adjective is weak; however, the empty adverb “very” often weakens a sentence.

• Omit the “verys” and let adjectives stand alone.

Which communicates better?

• “He was very, very hungry?”

• “He was ravenous.”

Moby Dick adverbs

Diabolically, obstreperously, irrevocably, vicariously, palpably…