Adverbs Quote by David Mitchell
““Adverbs are cholesterol in the veins of prose.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, David Mitchell, 2015
Adverbs clutter prose like excess cholesterol, slowing its flow and clarity.
In simple terms: Adverbs can make writing heavy and unclear.
Use precise verbs, limit adverbs.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- editing essays
- creative writing
- academic papers
- journalism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is an adverb essential?
- How does word choice affect rhythm?
Overuse may be stylistically intentional.