Elmore Leonard: Of verbs and adverbs

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.” (July 2001)

Elmore Leonard

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