Many people believe that it is incorrect to have two adverbs in a row, but this is not always the case. While it is true that two adverbs can sometimes create a clunky sentence, there are times when two adverbs are needed to convey the desired meaning. When used correctly, two adverbs in a row can add emphasis and help to create a more interesting sentence.
I would also like to let you know that on this page and others, I have some suggestions for resources from Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases but this does not cost you any more. I really do appreciate it when people click through my link and make a purchase but obviously, you can just go straight to Amazon if you prefer.
Define adverbs
An adverb is a word that describes a verb (an action or a doing word). Adverbs often tell us how, when, where, or why someone does something. For example:
He ran quickly.
She slept soundly.
They arrived late.
Adverbs can be formed in different ways:
Most adverbs are created by adding -ly to an adjective, as seen in the examples above.
You can also create an adverb by using words like very, quite, enough, too, and really.
For example:
He ran very quickly.
She slept quite soundly.
They arrived too late.
Two Adverbs in a Row: Examples and Explanations
When it comes to verbs, there are a few important things to keep in mind. For one, they’re essential to creating effective sentences. And two, using two adverbs in a row is perfectly fine – as long as you do it correctly.
Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They usually come after the verb they’re modifying and can provide additional information about how an action is being carried out. For example, in the sentence “He slowly walked across the room,” the adverb “slowly” modifies the verb “walked” to show us how he did it.
When you use two adverbs in a row, be careful not to create a sentence that sounds awkward or unnatural.
When is it Appropriate to use Two Adverbs in a row?
Using two adverbs in a row is appropriate when you want to emphasize the degree of the action. For example, if you wanted to say that someone ran quickly, using the adverbs “very” and “fast” would be appropriate. This would be seen as more emphatic than just using the word “quickly.”
Sometimes you may wish to include two adverbs in a sentence, albeit not in a row.
If you want to emphasize a particular action or adjective, using two adverbs can be effective. For example, “She slowly but surely advanced on her prey.” In this sentence, the two adverbs help to create a sense of tension and foreboding.
Another time when using two adverbs may be appropriate is when you are trying to create a specific mood or tone. For example, “He sadly yet resignedly walked away from his old life.” In this sentence, the double adverb emphasizes the character’s feelings of sadness and resignation.
However, there are some instances where using two adverbs in a row might not make sense. If you’re describing an action that doesn’t have a lot of room for interpretation – such as “He died instantly,” – then adding another adverb might not be necessary. In general, if you’re unsure whether or not to use two adverbs, err on the side of caution and just use one.
Using Three Adverbs in a Sentence
Here are some examples of sentences where three adverbs are used in a sentence and therefore two of them are directly adjacent to each other:
- He ran quickly, quietly, and effortlessly through the forest, evading his pursuers.
- She sang beautifully, passionately, and confidently on the grand stage, mesmerizing the audience.
- The car screeched loudly, suddenly, and unexpectedly, causing a commotion on the quiet street.
- He diligently, meticulously, and patiently completed his intricate artwork, paying attention to every detail.
- The rain poured heavily, relentlessly, and continuously throughout the night, flooding the streets.
- She spoke softly, convincingly, and persuasively, winning over the sceptical audience.
- The dog barked loudly, incessantly, and excitedly, alerting everyone to the intruder’s presence.
- He played the piano skillfully, passionately, and expressively, eliciting a range of emotions from the listeners.
- The athlete ran swiftly, gracefully, and effortlessly across the finish line, breaking the record.
- The wind howled fiercely, ominously, and chillingly, sending shivers down their spines.
Remember that using multiple adverbs in a row should be done purposefully and sparingly, as it can sound repetitive or overwhelming if overused.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is grammatically correct to have two adverbs in a row in a sentence. However, it is important to use them sparingly and to make sure that they are both necessary and add something to the sentence. Overusing adverbs can make your writing sound cluttered and can ultimately turn readers off. However, there are some authors who use many adverbs in their writing to great effect.