Adverbs - what are they and how (and why) to use them

Adverbs are best described as a word which provides the reader with more information about the verb or adjective in a sentence. If we agree that a verb is the word in a sentence which describes what action is taking place, then the adverb is the word which can describes how, when, where and why the action is taking place.

Consider the following:

1. Jack talked about his day at school. (verb = talked)

2. Jack talked excitedly about his day at school.

3. Jack talked reluctantly about his day at school.

Sentence 1 provides some information, but it is a straight description of the what, whereas sentences 2 and 3 are much more useful in conveying meaning, all through the addition of an adverb.

Similarly, an adjective will provide a degree of description, but this can be enhanced by the insertion of an adverb.

Consider the following:

1. Grace is a slow runner. (slow = adjective)

2. Grace is a very slow runner.

The second sentence provides further information about Grace's speed as a runner.

Lastly, an adverb can be used in a sentence to add meaning to an existing adverb.

Consider this:

1. She ran too quickly for me to be able to keep up.

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Improve your writing with adjectives

It is sometimes difficult to find a word different from the same word you have used already, or you may be unable to think of the right adjective for descriptive purposes.

One of the most commonly used (and repeated!)adjectives in the English language is 'good'. It is a particular favourite of school children, in response to the age-old question from parents, "How was school today?" The child's response is, "Good."

Alternatives to 'good' include -

* amazing, excellent, exquisite, fine, fulfilling, incomparable, invaluable, lovely, fine, valuable, superior, unforgettable, classic.

'GOOD' OVERKILL:
When I looked through the window, it was a good day. That was good because we had planned to go to Currumbin Beach, where the waves were really good. It was good to be up early and making a good start. We made good time reaching our destination. When we got in the water, it was a good temperature and we spent almost an hour enjoying the waves. After a good relax on the beach, we packed up and headed home. I had a good shower and thought to myself about what a good day it had been.

BETTER:
When I looked through the window, it was a glorious day. That was perfect because we had planned to go to Currumbin Beach, where the waves were really pumping. It was exciting to be up early and making an energetic start. We made excellent time reaching our destination. When we got in the water, it was a bearable temperature and we spent almost an hour enjoying the waves. After a blissful relax on the beach, we packed up and headed home. I had a refreshing shower and thought to myself about what a wonderful day it had been.

NOTE: School-aged readers of this blog are advised to 'wow' your parents with a really interesting response when next you are asked about your day. You could start with something like, "My day was mind-blowingly awesome", which will certainly gain your parents' attention, but may also require further elaboration to support (which may be why you used 'good' in the first place!).

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