Adverbs: writers love them, editors fear them, and readers barely notice them—unless they're overused.
They sneak into early drafts like polite party guests: not doing any harm, but not exactly adding anything interesting either. And while adverbs can be useful, most of the time they’re just dead weight—cluttering up your prose and making your sentences weaker than they need to be.
Let’s break down why authors delete adverbs in the final draft—and how you can strengthen your writing by doing the same.
🌪 What Is an Adverb, Really?
An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or even another adverb. They often (but not always) end in -ly—like quickly, loudly, nervously, or gently.
Adverbs answer questions like:
- How? (e.g., “She ran quickly.”)
- When? (e.g., “He arrived late.”)
- Where? (e.g., “We met outside.”)
- To what extent? (e.g., “She was very tired.”)
They’re not evil. They’re just... overused. Especially in fiction.
✂️ Why Do Writers Delete Adverbs?
1. They Weaken Your Verbs
Take this sentence:
“I’m talking loudly.”
Now swap it for a stronger verb:
“I’m shouting.”
“I yelled across the room.”
The second versions are sharper and more visual. Instead of telling the reader how you're talking, you're showing them what kind of talking it is—with a verb that packs a punch.
2. They Clutter Your Sentences
Compare:
“I walked to class briskly.”
vs.
“I hurried to class.”
“I bolted through the hallway after the bell rang.”
The adverb “briskly” isn’t wrong—but it’s bland. “Bolted” not only eliminates the need for an adverb, it paints a clearer picture. It shows urgency and maybe even a little panic. That’s what readers want: action they can visualize.
3. They Often Repeat What the Verb Already Tells Us
Redundant combos like:
- “He whispered quietly.”
- “She screamed loudly.”
- “They sprinted quickly.”
These are the literary version of wearing two pairs of socks. You think you’re being thorough—but really, you’re just overdoing it.
🔍 So... Should You Delete Every Adverb?
Not quite. Some adverbs do add meaningful nuance:
- “She looked at him coldly.” (Emotionally detached)
- “He moved carefully through the minefield.” (A specific, important kind of movement)
But here’s the test:
If deleting the adverb changes the meaning of the sentence, keep it.
If deleting it does nothing... cut it.
✍️ Tips for Cutting Adverbs Like a Pro
Here’s how to clean up your writing during revision:
🔎 1. Search for “-ly” Words
Run a search through your document for “ly.” This will highlight most adverbs and show you where they’re hiding. Evaluate each one: Is it pulling its weight?
💪 2. Use Stronger Verbs Instead
Instead of: “She walked slowly.”
Try: “She crept,” “tiptoed,” or “dragged her feet.”
Instead of: “He said it angrily.”
Try: “He snapped,” “growled,” or “bit out the words.”
🧹 3. Clean Up Vague Adverbs
Words like really, very, just, and somewhat often soften your writing without helping. “Very tired” becomes “exhausted.” “Just a little cold” becomes “chilled.”
🧠 4. Use Description Instead of Quick Adverbs
Don’t write:
“I whispered quietly.”
Write:
“I whispered. My breath barely stirred the silence.”
A short follow-up sentence or phrase can build mood and imagery far better than a one-word adverb.
🎯 The Takeaway
Adverbs aren’t the enemy—but they are the first suspects in a crime scene called Flat Prose. They’re often a shortcut, and your readers deserve the scenic route.
So when you're revising, think of adverbs as seasoning: a little bit enhances the flavor. Too much? You ruin the dish.
Cut them. Replace them. Rethink them. Make your verbs do the heavy lifting, and your sentences will snap, crackle, and pop off the page.