to adverb or not to adverb

Everyone hates adverbs. To many they are like cockroaches. Stomp them, stomp them, where ever they appear! They are a waste of space, of words, of time, of brain cells. Disgusting! They tell when things should be shown: “I’m mad,” she said angrily. And I used to always scratch them out with my red pen when critiquing my fellow writers’ works. But over time I’ve started to bend the golden rules of our forefathers – Strunk & White – and allow for some adverbs. Why? Because like anything there are places for them.

Let’s look at one writer who uses them often. Her name is J.K.Rowlings. You might have heard of her. She was mildly successful in her relatively popular series. Did her use of adverbs cause her downfall? (Hint: she was the 12th richest woman in Great Britain in 2008)

“Careful not to walk through anyone,” said Ron nervously.

The Harry Potter series is YA (young adult), and I think this has to be taken into consideration. Adverbs can add flare that keeps younger readers hanging on the edge of every sentence. As we get older, we stop eating gobs of candy. Could it be the same with adverbs? Also, adverbs can be used for adding humor and they can simplify long descriptions.

He quickly locked the door.

That wasn’t so bad; in fact, it adds something. I feel a bit of tension. Tension is good.

So, for adverbs, I say:

1. Respect your audience. Yes, they might be superfluous, but for younger readers they might just be colorful.

2. Look at the whole sentence. Consider if the adverb is adding to the scene/feeling.