# Enhancing Adverb Usage: A Guide for Writers
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Chapter 1: Understanding Adverbs
In my previous article, I discussed various types of adverbs and the ongoing debate about their use. This time, let’s dive into the topic of where adverbs should be positioned within sentences and why certain placements are discouraged.
You may have encountered the argument against splitting infinitives. In my earlier piece, "Splitting Hairs Over Split Infinitives," I explained that infinitives such as “to conclude” and “to demand” can be split by inserting words between “to” and the verb. For instance, “to finally conclude” or “to firmly demand” exemplify split infinitives.
I also addressed when it is permissible to split an infinitive and how to avoid doing so unnecessarily. Since adverbs frequently come into play, many writers hesitate to place them in phrases. However, according to my go-to reference on grammar, Garner’s Modern English Usage, such worries are often exaggerated.
Section 1.1: The Myth of Splitting Verb Phrases
Confusion often arises when writers fret over splitting verb phrases like “had walked,” having been trained to avoid splitting infinitives. We now understand that it is perfectly acceptable to split an infinitive with an adverb, as in “They love to slowly walk through the garden.” Similarly, it’s fine to split a verb phrase, such as “They have slowly walked through the garden many times.”
The key takeaway is that using adverbs in this manner is not just permissible but often recommended. As stated in the Garner guide, the ideal position for an adverb in a verb phrase is “in the midst of the verb phrase.”
Subsection 1.1.1: Common Pitfalls
When an adverb is positioned outside of a verb phrase, the result can be an awkward sentence. For example:
“The tulips already have begun blooming.”
“The sky quickly is clearing.”
In these instances, most experts would advocate moving the adverb into the middle of the verb phrase, resulting in:
“The tulips have already begun blooming.”
“The sky is quickly clearing.”
The conventional rule suggests that when using an adverb with a verb phrase, it should be placed “after the auxiliary verb.” Auxiliary verbs encompass forms of “be,” “do,” and “have,” along with “can,” “may,” and “will.” In the earlier example, “The sky quickly is clearing,” the placement of the adverb (“quickly”) is incorrect, leading to an awkward sentence. Correcting it to “The sky is quickly clearing” improves clarity.
Section 1.2: The Power of Adverbs
An interesting aspect of adverbs is their ability to add significant meaning to a sentence. In the improved example, the adverb “quickly” suggests that the sky is clearing at an unusually rapid pace, rather than at a standard rate. If you replace it with a more mundane adverb like “currently,” which lacks specificity, the sentence becomes “The sky is currently clearing.” The adverb “currently” adds little value and can easily be omitted, leaving “The sky is clearing,” which conveys the same message more efficiently. However, “The sky is quickly clearing” provides additional context, countering the argument that adverbs should be minimized.
Chapter 2: Final Thoughts
The first video, "Noun, Adjective, Adverb Phrases and Clauses," explores the roles of different phrases and clauses in writing, helping to clarify how adverbs function within sentences.
The second video, "Lesson 20: Adverbs in Twi (part 1)," introduces adverbs in the Twi language, illustrating their use and importance in communication.
In conclusion, I hope this discussion has illuminated the effective use of adverbs in your writing. Paying close attention to the placement of adverbs can significantly enhance your writing, making a substantial difference for your readers. When not copy editing, I write fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. I am the author of the novel "One Sister’s Song" and the e-book "Not Nearly Everything You Need to Know About Writing."