Hey, life? Are you kidding me?

Ode to Adverbs

For those of you who are unclear as to what an adverb is -- it describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb - answers the questions what, where, when, why, or how - and often end in 'ly



Let's see if you get this clearly. Recently, I have been told by several authors that adverbs are a thing of the past, frowned upon by editors. Apparently, they weaken your writing. By putting more emphasis on verbs you can obviously create a more active sentence. Thus, bringing the reader along on your journey more brilliantly.

Sadly, I'm perplexed. I love my adverbs dearly. I recognize and even understand the trend to delete my treasured adverb from stories completely. After all, the adverb is one of the 8 parts of speech that has existed up until now quite happily in the grammar world. Will it become like Pluto - once taught a planet now simply referred to as once thought of as a planet? Will adverbs melt unwillingly away into obsoletion?

Stephen King heartily said, "Adverbs pave the way to hell." Admittedly, he is one of my favorite authors. And i would hate to go to hell because I stubbornly used an 'ly word. But, Stephen oh Stephen, why must we kill a part of speech so mercilessly?

As a teacher, my world is confusing enough with new trends involving state standards, methodology of teaching, and getting through the day sanely. Now, I face the fact that I may have to eventually break the news to students that Adverbs are of the devil. My inner soul is tortured unmercifully.

I miss you, Adverbs, greatly. You will definitely always have a place in my heart, if not my writing.

Sincerely, (oh dear an 'ly word)

Audra grieving deeply over Adverbs