• Linguistics and Language -> Grammar and Syntax

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Are there any adverbs that should be avoided altogether?

Karissa Talton

Hey there!

When it comes to adverbs, there are definitely some that should be avoided altogether. Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs and can add emphasis or clarify the meaning of a sentence. However, some adverbs can weaken your writing or make it sound less professional. Here are a few that I recommend avoiding:

1. Very: This is one of the most overused adverbs in the English language. While it can add emphasis, it is often unnecessary and can be replaced with a stronger adjective. For example, instead of saying "very happy," you could say "ecstatic" or "overjoyed."

2. Really: Similar to "very," "really" is another adverb that is often overused. Instead of saying "really tired," you could say "exhausted" or "weary."

3. Actually: This adverb is often used unnecessarily and can make the speaker sound unsure of themselves. Instead of saying "actually, I think I'll go to the store," you could simply say "I think I'll go to the store."

4. Basically: While this adverb can be useful in certain situations, it is often used unnecessarily and can make the speaker sound unprofessional. For example, instead of saying "basically, the answer is yes," you could simply say "the answer is yes."

5. Literally: This adverb is commonly misused and can change the meaning of a sentence. For example, saying "I literally died laughing" is incorrect, as it is impossible to die from laughing. Instead, you could say "I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe."

Of course, these adverbs are not necessarily bad in all contexts. However, it is important to avoid overusing them or using them unnecessarily as it can weaken your writing and make you sound less professional.