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Health & Fitness

Is the Path to Hell paved with Adverbs?

There is a movement afoot to do away with adverbs.  In fact, many serious writers scoff at those “ly” words, turning their noses up in the air, and pursing their lips. 

Why so much venom?  At first, I was left a little dumbfounded.  They’ve always seemed useful to me, but as I gave it more thought I see where the problem lies.
Adverbs are often telling words not showing words.
  
Here is an example.  “I hate you,” said Janice angrily.  The narrator has told the reader Janice’s emotions. Compare that to - “I hate you,” said Janice, her face flushing with color and spit flying from her mouth.  The second example shows the reader what Janice is feeling and paints a very unpleasant picture.

So, is the path to hell paved with adverbs?  Only if we overuse them when we should do more showing instead.  Sometimes angrily is best when we want a shortcut and do not want to spend all those words painting a picture.  

By Jeff Altabef

If you are still looking for a gift this Christmas, consider Fourteenth Colony.  It’s a fun fast-paced thriller that has gotten great reviews and takes place in Westchester.  Half of my proceeds benefit the Covenant House so you get to help homeless youth at the same time.  http://www.amazon.com/Fourteenth-Colony-Jeff-Altabef-ebook/dp/B00C2D97OS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encod...

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