So adverbs get a lot of hate, especially the -ly ones, and worse than any, the ones on dialogue tags. A lot of good modern writers, Stephen King, James Patterson, and Brandon Sanderson among them, have argued against wide use of adverbs. Here are some dissenting opinions (and better advice): Adverbs Are Not The Enemy - Bad Writing Is The Enemy. The Avoid Adverbs Rule Is Very Wrong In short, any word that is the wrong word should be avoided. Every word matters. And you can make the argument that instead of using a weak verb and an adverb as a 'booster', it's better to use a strong verb that conveys meaning more succinctly. Better Verbs - But Don't Use Substitutes For Said Or Stephen King Will Send "IT" After You SO, Just use the right word: Who am I to argue against luminaries like King, Patterson, and Sanderson? Nobody, but I don't need to. They use adverbs in their books too, sometimes even on dialogue tags; and, s