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Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs. They show us the manner and degree of an action. You can spot adverbs by looking for words that explain the action in a sentence.
It seems the biggest crime for us writers is using (ly) adverbs. I have read they should all be removed from our writing. It is termed as lazy writing. You want to know why it’s lazy, it’s because they are easy to use. We will use adverbs instead of looking for the verb that will add the punch.
Ly adverbs almost always show the author explaining dialogue–smuggling emotions into speaker attributions that belong in the dialogue itself. If the dialogue doesn’t need props, putting the props in will make it seem weak.
Bottom line is take the time to go through your writing and decide if you can replace the adverbs with stronger verbs. It will make your writing stronger and tighter.
If you are using adverbs of time or frequency then they are an exception. ie. (Bad)I receive the paper every day. (Better) I receive the paper on a daily basis.
If an adverb has the same meaning as the verb being used then remove it. If the verb is weak, you might replace it with a stronger verb.
The three most common adverbs are : not, very, and too. It is recommended to avoid their use, but as with every other “rule” sometimes you have to use them. No other words will do.
http://youtu.be/PIuN8aY51Xk I hope you enjoy the video on adverbs.
