Adverbs are the word, yo.

Yes, it is Monday again. I know. Wild. Let’s get to it.

Writing Prompt #3 – Add To Those Verbs, Yo

Grammar lesson! Whoo! Who knows what an adverb is? Anyone? I bet you do, even if the definition is somewhere in a section of brain you use to store memories about things like winning Scrabble words or what color your hair was when you were five.

An adverb modifies a verb or another adverb. They basically make things a little zestier or a little clearer when it comes to action, time, etc. Or they basically make things clunkier and more verbose when it comes to action, time, etc.

So, to use adverbs or not use adverbs?  Style, my friends.

You’re going to write two versions of the same story (and the story can be a paragraph. I’m not that much of a slave driver to make you do excessive work…). In the first one, slather on the adverbs. Have all the actions done “quickly” or “later” or whatever. Load those adverbs on. In the second one, take them out. Instead of using lots of adverbs, keep your writing close to the basics. If you want some flavor, really dig for a clever verb instead of adverbs to jazz it up (ie: choose “sprint” over “run”).

Take stock of your stories. Which do you like more? Do you think the best one is the one you haven’t written yet? A third version that runs the middle on adverb use? Or are you into verbage or are you all about the bare bones?

Hope this helps in clarifying your own writing style.