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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author values adverbs, implying they add necessary nuance.
In plain terms
Adverbs are respected because they add specific detail.
What can you take from it?
Choose precise modifiers to clarify meaning.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • editing
  • editing

Putting it to work

  • edit for precision
  • choose words carefully

Questions to consider

  • Do you trust adverbs or nouns?
  • What makes language clear?

Another view

Too many adverbs can clutter prose.

More from Henry James

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  3. Live all you can - it's a mistake not to. It doesn't so much matter what you do in particular, so long as you have your life. If you haven't had that, what hav…

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