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Adverbs Quote by David Mitchell

“Adverbs are cholesterol in the veins of prose.” quote by David Mitchell
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““Adverbs are cholesterol in the veins of prose.””

David Mitchell

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.

Key Takeaway

Use precise verbs, limit adverbs.

Themes

writing clarity style language editing

Mood

analytical critical

Type

literary educational

When to use this quote

  • editing essays
  • creative writing
  • academic papers
  • journalism

Key Concepts

Linguistics literary criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is an adverb essential?
  • How does word choice affect rhythm?
A Different Perspective

Overuse may be stylistically intentional.

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