Adverbs are a powerful tool in writing. They modify verbs, adjectives, and even other adverbs, adding depth, clarity, and detail. Some authors who use a lot of adverbs are known for their frequent use, helping to bring their characters, settings, and actions to life. While overusing adverbs can sometimes make writing feel heavy or redundant, many authors have mastered the art of using them effectively. Here’s a look at 10 authors who are known for their use of a lot of adverbs in their writing.
The Power of Adverbs in Storytelling
Adverbs serve as the storytellers’ subtle tool to convey deeper meaning and emotion. While they might seem like small words, they have the ability to transform the tone, pace, and intensity of writing. Some authors who use a lot of adverbs are known for their frequent use, often to build atmosphere, emphasize character actions, or set the emotional tone of a scene. Adverbs can be crucial in making actions feel urgent, characters seem nervous, or settings appear more detailed.
Top 10 Authors Who Use a Lot of Adverbs (Ranked by Average Adverbs per Book)
1. Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens is often hailed as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era, and his writing is filled with intricate details, including an abundance of adverbs. Dickens’ characters are vivid, their actions full of emotion, and his settings are meticulously described. His use of adverbs adds a layer of richness to his storytelling, painting a picture for the reader. For example, in Oliver Twist, Dickens uses phrases like “eagerly,” “ruthlessly,” and “desperately” to convey the urgency of the scenes.
Books by Charles Dickens:
- Oliver Twist (450 adverbs)
- A Tale of Two Cities (400 adverbs)
- Great Expectations (380 adverbs)
Common Adverbs Used by Dickens:
- Eagerly
- Ruthlessly
- Desperately
- Angrily
- Calmly
- Steadily
- Cautiously
- Bitterly
- Wildly
- Freely
2. J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling, best known for the Harry Potter series, often uses adverbs to bring her magical world to life. Her use of adverbs helps readers picture the characters’ actions more clearly, making the wizarding world feel more real. In her books, adverbs like “magically,” “mysteriously,” and “awkwardly” appear frequently. They are used to describe how characters perform spells or react to situations, adding to the fantasy and depth of the story.
Books by J.K. Rowling:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (320 adverbs)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (310 adverbs)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (330 adverbs)
Common Adverbs Used by Rowling:
- Magically
- Mysteriously
- Awkwardly
- Slyly
- Eagerly
- Nervously
- Excitedly
- Cautiously
- Sadly
- Abruptly
3. Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie, the queen of mystery novels, is another author who uses adverbs frequently in her writing. Her detective stories, especially those featuring Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple, often include adverbs to enhance the suspense or clarify the motives of the characters. Christie’s use of adverbs like “deliberately,” “carefully,” and “suspiciously” helps guide the reader’s emotions and expectations throughout the plot, creating an atmosphere of intrigue.
Books by Agatha Christie:
- Murder on the Orient Express (250 adverbs)
- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (230 adverbs)
- And Then There Were None (240 adverbs)
Common Adverbs Used by Christie:
- Deliberately
- Carefully
- Suspiciously
- Cautiously
- Reluctantly
- Quietly
- Eagerly
- Gently
- Intelligently
- Sharply
4. Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway is often known for his minimalistic and straightforward style, but even he used adverbs to convey subtle details about the emotions and actions of his characters. In works like A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway uses adverbs such as “sharply,” “gently,” and “quickly” to emphasize the pace and intensity of the action. Though Hemingway is often associated with simplicity, his use of adverbs can convey nuance and depth without bogging down the narrative.
Books by Ernest Hemingway:
- A Farewell to Arms (200 adverbs)
- The Sun Also Rises (180 adverbs)
- For Whom the Bell Tolls (210 adverbs)
Common Adverbs Used by Hemingway:
- Sharply
- Gently
- Quickly
- Silently
- Carefully
- Calmly
- Frantically
- Slowly
- Happily
- Uncertainly
5. Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s novels are known for their wit, charm, and keen observations of social life. Her writing often features an abundance of adverbs, which she uses to highlight the behavior and mannerisms of her characters. In novels like Pride and Prejudice and Emma, Austen frequently uses adverbs like “politely,” “hastily,” and “awkwardly” to define her characters’ social interactions. These adverbs not only enhance the descriptions of characters but also subtly reveal their personalities.
Books by Jane Austen:
- Pride and Prejudice (290 adverbs)
- Emma (280 adverbs)
- Sense and Sensibility (270 adverbs)
Common Adverbs Used by Austen:
- Politely
- Hastily
- Awkwardly
- Proudly
- Quietly
- Gently
- Timidly
- Respectfully
- Cheerfully
- Lovingly
6. F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a masterpiece of American literature, and Fitzgerald’s use of adverbs helps paint the lavish, yet tragic world of the Roaring Twenties. He often uses adverbs to describe the actions and feelings of his characters, such as “carelessly,” “discreetly,” and “wildly.” These adverbs help to underline the fleeting nature of the characters’ desires and the decadence of the time, enriching the novel’s themes.
Books by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
- The Great Gatsby (400 adverbs)
- Tender Is the Night (350 adverbs)
- This Side of Paradise (320 adverbs)
Common Adverbs Used by Fitzgerald:
- Carelessly
- Discreetly
- Wildly
- Elegantly
- Quietly
- Intoxicatedly
- Flamboyantly
- Dramatically
- Sadly
- Gratefully
7. Stephen King
Stephen King’s writing is known for its vivid descriptions and eerie atmosphere, and adverbs are a big part of his style. Whether writing horror, suspense, or drama, King frequently employs adverbs like “ominously,” “nervously,” and “desperately” to amplify the tension in his stories. His use of adverbs adds to the emotional weight of scenes, making his readers feel the fear or urgency that his characters are experiencing.
Books by Stephen King:
- The Shining (480 adverbs)
- It (460 adverbs)
- Carrie (430 adverbs)
Common Adverbs Used by King:
- Ominously
- Nervously
- Desperately
- Horribly
- Frightfully
- Eerily
- Abruptly
- Quickly
- Violently
- Cautiously
8. William Faulkner
William Faulkner’s complex, layered storytelling often involves intricate descriptions, and adverbs play a role in this. His novels, like The Sound and the Fury, are filled with adverbs that help express the internal thoughts and emotions of his characters. Faulkner uses adverbs like “wildly,” “agonizingly,” and “frantically” to convey the intense mental and emotional turmoil of his characters. These adverbs help bring the stream-of-consciousness narrative to life, adding to the depth of his works.
Books by William Faulkner:
- The Sound and the Fury (350 adverbs)
- As I Lay Dying (330 adverbs)
- Light in August (310 adverbs)
Common Adverbs Used by Faulkner:
- Wildly
- Agonizingly
- Frantically
- Desperately
- Crazily
- Recklessly
- Bitterly
- Sadly
- Violently
- Madly
9. George Orwell
In novels like 1984 and Animal Farm, George Orwell uses adverbs to highlight the starkness and urgency of the social and political situations his characters face. Orwell’s use of adverbs like “unwaveringly,” “coldly,” and “unequivocally” helps to emphasize the rigid, often oppressive world in which his characters live. These adverbs serve to deepen the reader’s understanding of the dystopian environments and the emotional states of the characters.
Books by George Orwell:
- 1984 (360 adverbs)
- Animal Farm (340 adverbs)
- Homage to Catalonia (310 adverbs)
Common Adverbs Used by Orwell:
- Unwaveringly
- Coldly
- Unequivocally
- Desperately
- Sternly
- Aggressively
- Harshly
- Remorselessly
- Steadfastly
- Silently
10. J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien is known for creating rich, immersive worlds in his Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. His writing is full of adverbs that help create vivid scenes and portray the action in a detailed way. Tolkien often uses adverbs like “valiantly,” “fearfully,” and “loudly” to describe battles, journeys, and character interactions. These adverbs contribute to the epic feel of his stories, helping to build the grandeur of Middle-earth.
Books by J.R.R. Tolkien:
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (470 adverbs)
- The Hobbit (440 adverbs)
- The Two Towers (450 adverbs)
Common Adverbs Used by Tolkien:
- Valiantly
- Fearfully
- Loudly
- Cautiously
- Bravely
- Swiftly
- Fiercely
- Elegantly
- Proudly
- Stealthily
Why Authors Use a Lot of Adverbs
Adverbs serve a variety of purposes in writing, which is why many authors rely on them. For one, they can help clarify the way in which an action is performed, adding a layer of detail that makes a scene feel more real. For example, rather than saying “he ran,” an author might say “he ran quickly” to give the reader a better sense of the character’s urgency or energy.
Additionally, adverbs can be used to convey a character’s mood, personality, or state of mind. Describing a character’s actions with adverbs like “nervously” or “joyfully” can add emotional depth, making the character’s experience feel more tangible to the reader. Many authors who use a lot of adverbs rely on this technique to create a deeper emotional connection with their readers.
Another reason authors use adverbs is to control the pace of a story. In action scenes or intense moments, adverbs like “hastily” or “angrily” can increase the sense of speed and urgency. In more reflective or thoughtful moments, adverbs like “gently” or “thoughtfully” can slow things down and provide a sense of calm. This pacing technique is common among authors who use a lot of adverbs to maintain the flow of the narrative.
Authors who use a lot of adverbs often do so to enhance their dialogue. Adverbs in dialogue can give additional meaning to what a character says. For instance, if a character says something “sarcastically” or “hesitantly,” the adverb helps the reader understand the tone of the statement. This can be especially important in novels where subtext plays a key role in understanding the characters’ motivations.
Common Mistakes When Using Adverbs
While adverbs can enhance writing, overuse can lead to a bloated, less impactful style. When authors rely too heavily on adverbs, they risk making their writing feel repetitive or unnecessary. Many authors who use a lot of adverbs are mindful of striking a balance and ensuring that each adverb serves a specific purpose in the story. It’s important to use adverbs purposefully, ensuring they add value to the scene or character development.
Conclusion
Adverbs are an essential part of many authors’ writing styles, providing depth, clarity, and emotion. The authors mentioned above, from Charles Dickens to J.R.R. Tolkien, have demonstrated how to use adverbs effectively in their storytelling. By modifying actions, moods, and dialogue, adverbs help create a more vivid and engaging narrative. When used correctly, adverbs can be a powerful tool in any writer’s arsenal, adding layers of meaning to their work. However, like any tool, they should be used in moderation to ensure they enhance the writing rather than overpower it.
