Writing styles ebb and flow and come and go. Currently, there is an all-out assault on adverbs.
Somehow, they’ve become a sign of unsophisticated writing. But the truth is, when you use them properly, they can crank up the quality of your work. Therefore, our team at Next Chapters thought it was essential to address the misconceptions around adverbs by answering some of your most frequently asked questions.
What is an Adverb?
Adverbs are words or phrases that modify or qualify an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word group. In general, they express a relation of:
- Degree
- Focus
- Frequency
- Manner
- Place
- Time
There are also conjunctive/linking adverbs that connect one clause to another. By doing so, they can show specific relationships between clauses, such as sequence, contrast, and cause and effect.
What Are Some Examples of Adverbs?
| Frequency Adverbs | Focus Adverbs | Manner Adverbs | Place Adverbs | Time Adverbs | Degree Adverbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eventually Occasionally Always Never Sometimes Now and then |
Mostly Only Especially Notably Generally Just |
Quickly Slowly Quietly Loudly Gently Happily |
Below Between Above Behind Through Over |
Soon Later Immediately Hourly Daily Nightly |
Softly Roughly Perfectly Fully Nearly So |
| Conjunctive Adverbs | Duration Adverbs | Certainty or Obligation Adverbs | Viewpoint Adverbs | Evaluative Adverbs | Interrogative/Relative Adverbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additionally Accordingly Likewise Otherwise Naturally |
Briefly Forever Long Since Permanently Temporarily |
Probably Maybe Perhaps Surely Certainly Definitely |
Personally Frankly Clearly Obviously Presumably Seriously |
Unfortunately Stupidly Apparently Ironically Luckily Oddly |
When Where Why How |
Let’s Highlight a Few Adverb Examples in Sentences
We’ve bolded the adverbs in the sentences below:
- No matter how many times I listen to “Let It Be,” I’ll always love it.
- She’s the only one who knows the password to the safe.
- I gently placed the old vase back on the shelf.
- I hid a note between two books in the library.
- Dinner will be ready soon.
- Naturally, John thought he was great at everything.
How can Adverbs Help to Foster Your Unique Writing Style?
Adverbs provide a great way to emphasize a particular point, emphasis certain verbs or adjectives, and add an extra layer of meaning and flair to your work. You can also use adverbs to create a sense of rhythm in your writing and evoke an emotion or atmosphere. By using adverbs in your writing, you can create a distinctive and memorable style that your readers will recognize.
What Are the Three Main Adverb Positions?
Depending on the adverb, you can include them at the beginning (front), middle (mid), or end of a sentence. People refer to these spots in the clause as “positions.”
- Front Position: The first item in the clause.
- Suddenly I felt a hunger pang like a lightning bolt.
- Therefore, the real problem is plastic water bottles.
- Mid Position: Between the subject and the main verb:
- Homemade cooking always tastes better than fast food.
- She quietly hummed a tune to herself.
- End Position: Last item in a clause.
- I’ll be home soon.
- You have to stop coming in so late.
While there are numerous exceptions to the following positions, this chart will give you a general sense of where each kind of adverb goes in a sentence.
| Adverb Type | Front Position | Mid Position | End Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certainty/Obligation | Usually | Sometimes | Never |
| Conjunctive | Usually | Sometimes | Never |
| Degree | Rarely | Usually | Sometimes |
| Duration | Sometimes | Rarely | Usually |
| Evaluative | Usually | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Focus | Sometimes | Usually | Never |
| Frequency | Usually | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Interrogative/Relative | Usually | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Manner | Rarely | Sometimes | Usually |
| Place | Sometimes | Sometimes | Usually |
| Time | Usually | Rarely | Usually |
| Viewpoint | Usually | Sometimes | Rarely |
How Can I Use Adverbs to Create Powerful Imagery?
Adverbs can help you paint a picture in the reader’s mind. They add detail to a sentence that shows the scene, character, or action more clearly.
For example: She ran quickly across the field.
The adverb “quickly” conveys the speed of her movements better than “She ran across the field.”
You can also use adverbs to express the intensity or mood of the action.
For example: “He shouted angrily.”
Through the use of this adverb, the reader knows the mood of the character. By combining adverbs with other descriptive language, writers can create more vivid and evocative images.
What Are Some Creative Ways To Use Adverbs In A Narrative?
Adverbs can be a great way to add color and detail to any narrative. Here are some creative ways to use adverbs:
- Use adverbs to describe the actions of your characters. For example, instead of saying, “he walked,” you could say, “he slowly sauntered” or “he eagerly scurried.” Using adverbs can help create vivid images in your readers’ minds and bring your story to life.
- Use adverbs to describe the setting. Instead of simply describing a place as “dark,” you could say “ominously dark” or “hauntingly dark.” Doing so will help create an atmosphere and mood for your narrative.
- Use adverbs to describe the emotions of your characters. For example, you could say, “She angrily slammed the door” or “She sadly sighed.” Adverbs can help your readers connect with the characters.
What Are The Differences Between Adjectives And Adverbs In Creative Writing?
Adjectives and adverbs are essential parts of creative writing but have different functions. Adjectives describe nouns, helping readers better understand the people, places, and things in the story.
Adverbs, on the other hand, describe verbs and are used to add more detail to the action in a scene. They can also provide context for the readers and give them insight into the feelings or emotions of the characters.
#1 Best Practice: Use Adverbs Sparingly
You’ll frequently hear authors, teachers, and other writing experts say that people only use adverbs when they haven’t found a strong enough verb. While in some instances, this expert advice is correct. But sometimes, it’s the detail of the adverb that truly sets the scene and immerses the reader.
That being said, the overall goal should be to use adverbs sparingly. Find and use strong verbs, and when there isn’t one that you think works in your writing, try adding an adverb for additional context.
Any Other Pointers?
Adverbs can be powerful tools for adding detail and texture to creative writing. Here are some tips for effectively incorporating adverbs into your writing:
- Vary the types of adverbs you use: There are many different categories of adverbs. Make sure you’re taking advantage of this variety to ensure your work doesn’t feel repetitive.
- Look for opportunities to use an action verb instead of an adverb: Action verbs can often convey the same meaning as an adverb and are often more evocative. For example, instead of saying, “I quickly ran upstairs,” you could say, “I sprinted upstairs.”
- Place adverbs strategically in your writing: Consider where you place adverbs in a sentence. Placing them at the end of a sentence or clause can add emphasis and draw attention to the adverb.
- Use them in dialogue: We speak much differently than we write. It’s one of the reasons it’s so hard to write good dialogue. Adverbs can add a certain level of “realness” to your dialogue, as we use them regularly in everyday speech.
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