How to Skillfully Use Adverbs in Academic Manuscripts

Adverbs are often type-casted as the lesser-known children of their illustrious parents ‒ verbs and adjectives. They play an understated role in modifying the original meaning of their well-known parents. Notwithstanding their low-key profile, adverbs play a vital part in scientific writing. They can entirely change the way an action is reported, for instance, ‘sluggishly’ or ‘swiftly.’

Weather forecast changing ‘very rapidly’ has a totally different meaning to weather forecast changing ‘rapidly enough.’ That’s why it is significant to recognize how important adverbs are. They inform us further about an action or an event.

Proper Use of Adverbs in Research Papers

In several research papers, adverbs can be used strategically to exhibit a detail or fact. You could point to a scientist who ‘frequently’ conveys the same view or bias by using an adverb to expose the level of their reliability as a source. You could also state that an alternative source cited in your research paper presented a case ‘elegantly’, or that they ‘convincingly’ put across their point. These would all add credibility to the rationale as to why you selected them as your paper’s references—making your paper have a compelling argument altogether. Adverbs can be ‘remarkably’ useful in putting across the meaning of a sentence and make the writing ‘greatly’ persuasive. ‘Remarkably’ and ‘greatly’ are two instances of this.

Use of Adverbs in Sentences

Adverbs create varied nuances of meanings, depending on the sentences. They can either amplify or reduce the force of an action.

The research question was inadequately framed.

The novel has a few remarkably well-written chapters.

Adverbs explain the manner in which an action occurs, for instance, a ‘hurriedly’ written paper. They can also inform you when something is happening—‘late’ at night. They can heighten and ‘truly’ add substance to a sentence, which would have been ‘clearly’ missing if not for a handy adverb.

Why is it a Bad Idea to Use too many Adverbs?

You know the old proverb, ‘Excess of everything Is bad.’ This applies perfectly to adverbs—if you boost or reduce the intensity of words too often, it stops having an impact on the audience. For instance, our sources are ‘truly’ great as they ‘outstandingly’ state their ‘meticulously’ informed view.

With excessive adverbs, the sentence loses its meaning and ability to influence. There are certain verbs that can be used as substitutes for these adverbs. For example, instead of stating you are ‘earnestly’ interested in the manuscript, you can choose to say you are ‘engaged’ in it. The verb ‘engage’ combines the meaning of both the adverb and adjective into one.

Also, it is crucial to check if the adverb is adding any real value to your sentence or augmenting the quality of your writing. ‘Empty adverbs’ such as ‘basically,’ ‘really,’ ‘actually,’ and ‘generally’ contribute nothing to the meaning you try to convey and only use up word count in your paper.

Besides, a higher crime is to use an adverb in an ungrammatical sentence. It not only distorts or changes the meaning but also pulls down the standard of your manuscript. So, it is paramount to adhere to the fundamental rules of grammar.

1. If you were to state that the research went ‘incredibly much well,’ the adverb (much) is avoidable. Instead, write ‘incredibly well.’
2. If you were to state that “My doctor ‘hurriedly’ made the diagnosis,” the adverb will be considered incorrectly placed. In general, the adverb needs to come after the ‘action.’ The correct sentence structure would be “My doctor made the diagnosis ‘hurriedly.’”

Appropriately used adverbs are integral to elevating the quality of academic writing. Do you frequently use adverbs while writing your manuscript? It would be fantastic if you could share your thoughts and experiences on using adverbs or share recommendations in the comments segment below.

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