The Curse of Too Many Adverbs in Novel Writing
How The Overuse of Descriptive Words in Fiction Can Spoil the Story
Apr 28, 2009
In the same way that an adjective modifies a noun, an adverb modifies a verb. An adverb usually ends with “ly.” Examples of adverbs are slowly, quickly heavily thoughtfully and so forth. Ineffective use of adverbs can lead to flabby writing style and could damage the storytelling as much as passive writing.
Hints & Tips on How to Improve the Creative Writing
Contrary to popular belief, lots of description in the form of adverbs and adjectives can lead to a sluggish story. Some writers believe that lengthy passages of description will convey a vivid image for the reader. In fact, it can give the impression that the author cannot be bothered to find the correct word to describe what is being said, and uses adverbs to modify a broad-meaning verb. To put simply, when it comes to adverbs, less is more.
Poor Writing Example
An example of how too many adverbs can ruin the storytelling can be seen in this example:
With a lowered head and eyes fixed in front, she moved silently, swiftly and carefully like a cat stalking its prey. The dirt worked its way stubbornly into her fingernails. She coughed softly and carefully continued on her way.
There are six adverbs in this passage: silently, swiftly, carefully, stubbornly, softly and carefully.
Good Writing Example
Simply by removing the adverbs, the passage loses nothing of the meaning but the clutter:
With a lowered head and eyes fixed in front, she moved like a cat stalking its prey. The dirt worked its way into her fingernails. She gave a muffled cough and continued on her way.
Fiction Novel Writing Tips on Using Adverbs
When confronted with an adverb, the following options might be worth consideration:
- Cutting it out altogether.
- Finding a more accurate word that makes the adverb redundant. For example, when saying “running swiftly” the adverb “swiftly” becomes redundant when using the verb “sprinted.”
- Reconstructing the sentence.
- Replacing the adverb with a more apt and original alternative.
When to Use Adverbs
The novel cannot do without adverbs altogether any more than it can do without adjectives, for it would leave the prose feeling as bare as bones. But thoughtful use of the adverb and keeping its use to a minimum will enhance the story and convey a clearer image with a few little touches. The reader will also feel that they are in the hands of a practiced storyteller who knows how to mould their words into good prose.
Good Writing Style
Raised awareness of the adverb will encourage the author to look for more accurate words and automatically improve English usage Watch out for too many adverbs. Cut out as many as possible, look in the thesaurus for a more accurate word that will do away with the advert, or reconstruct the sentence. When employing an adverb, look for one that is more compelling and fitting.
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