Adverbs or slaughter your children Adverbs Adverbs modify
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
- Slides: 6