Adverbs… …or, slaughter your children

Adverbs Adverbs modify other words, specifically verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Many adverbs end in –ly. (Easily, fluently, etc)

Adverb Purposes There are two types of adverbs: intensifying and modifying

Intensifying Adverbs Intensifying: enhance the meaning of a word (usually a verb) Intensifying adverbs provide standard, expected descriptions of how something is done –EX: Umkulthoum barfed messily –EX: Umkulthoum barfed disgustingly Intensifying adverbs tell the degree to which something is done –EX: Trevor’s femur was broken horribly –EX: Trevor’s femur was barely broken AVOID THESE WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Modifying Adverbs Modifying: change the meaning of a word in a significant and unexpected way –EX: Umkulthoum barfed daintily –EX: Umkulthoum barfed enticingly These adverbs are OCCASIONALLY acceptable and effective

What to do with an intensifying adverb There are two choices of what to do with an intensifying adverb: –Eliminate the adverb and keep the verb the same Do this when the verb is a strong action verb –Umkulthoum barfed messily –Eliminate the adverb and change the verb Do this to replace a weak, bland, vague, or unsatisfying verb with a strong action verb –Trevor’s femur was pulverized horribly