Many adverbs end with the suffix –ly. However, an -ly ending is not a guarantee that a word is an adverb. Adverbs are sometimes recognizable by the –ly suffix. However, many words and phrases not ending in -ly serve an adverbial function. While other –ly words like lovely, lonely, motherly, friendly, and neighbourly for instance, are adjectives.

There is nothing grammatically wrong with using adverbs in your writing. In fact, sometimes adverbs help clarify the meaning of a sentence. But consider the following example:

"Stop!" Janet said loudly.

The adverb, loudly, modifies the verb, said. (How did she say it?)

In constructing sentences like the above example, often the sentence is strengthened if you eliminate the adverb and instead use a more descriptive verb. Consider these alternatives:

"Stop!" Janet screamed.
"Stop!" Janet shrieked.
"Stop!" Janet howled.
"Stop!" Janet yelped.
"Stop!" Janet squealed.

While there isn’t anything wrong with ‘said loudly’, more descriptive verbs make stronger sentences and project more vivid images. Consider these examples:

The feather fell softly to the ground. (How did the feather fall?)
The feather floated to the ground.
The feather drifted to the ground.
The feather whispered to the ground.
The feather glided to the ground.
The feather slipped to the ground.

John walked quietly to the door. (How did John walk?)
John crept to the door.
John tiptoed to the door.
John edged to the door.
John glided to the door.
John inched to the door.

The boy quickly ran away from the bear. (How did the boy run?)
The boy raced away from the bear.
The boy bolted away from the bear.
The boy flew away from the bear.
The boy scrambled away from the bear.
The boy sprinted away from the bear.

Can you feel the punch the descriptive verbs deliver? I’m sure you see the difference.

So, the next time you write a word ending with ‘ly take a few minutes to determine whether it’s an adverb and search for a more descriptive verb to use instead. It may take a little longer at first, but soon powerful sentences will flow from your fingertips with ease.

Until next month, write on!