Adverbs Quote by Elmore Leonard
“Never use an adverb to modify the verb 'said' . . . he admonished gravely. To use an adverb this way (or almost any way) is a mortal sin. The writer is now exposing himself in earnest, using a word that distracts and can interrupt the rhythm of the exchange.”
![“say v. (says; past and past part.said) 1 [reporting verb] utter words so as to convey information, an opinion, a feeling or intention, or an instruction: [with direct speech] “Thank you,” he said | [with clause] he said the fund stood at $100,000 | [trans.] our parents wouldn't believe a word we…” quote by Oxford University Press](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/498/oxford-university-press-30025_communication_say-v-says-past-and-past-part-said-1-rep_2258132.jpg)
