Long ago Quote by Gerald Murnane
““During my sixteen years as a teacher of writing, I removed many adverbs and adverbial phrases from students' writing. I decided long ago that a writer who needlessly modifies words is either a nervous writer who does not believe in the worth of what they are writing or a vain writer who wants to be seen as discriminating and sensitive to nuances or meaning.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Gerald Murnane on Writing, 2010
Excessive adverb use signals either insecurity or pretentiousness, diluting clarity and authenticity in writing.
In simple terms: Too many adverbs show nervousness or vanity, weakening writing.
Key Takeaway
Edit out unnecessary adverbs for stronger prose.
Themes
writing style
clarity
authorial confidence
Mood
instructive
analytical
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- self‑editing
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
linguistic economy
voice authenticity
editing practice
Questions to Reflect On
- When is stylistic flourish appropriate?
- How does brevity affect reader engagement?
A Different Perspective
The advice may not apply to all literary genres.
