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I think every phrase has a time and place, and if used at the right time and in the right place, then every phrase should be left in the author’s toolbox. I said in an earlier post that the word “suddenly” is ok but is not to be overused. It depends on the situation and the sentence in question.<\/p>\n
The phrases that I try to avoid tend to be ambiguous phrases that the reader has to really work at to be able to figure them out. For example:<\/p>\n
“Follow me,” he said in a soft tone.<\/em><\/p>\n What is a soft tone? If it is a whisper then write whisper. Is the person speaking at a volume that is between a whisper and speaking normally? It’s not so obvious. Then, you have to ask yourself the question: why is he speaking in a soft tone? What could be the reason? If there is a context surrounding speaking softly, then it’s fair enough. An alternative to this phrase could be:<\/p>\n “Follow me,” he said, speaking softly.<\/em><\/p>\n You would still have to ask the question as to why the man is speaking softly.<\/p>\n “Follow me,” he said, speaking softly as to not be overheard.<\/em><\/p>\n Then you might as well write whisper, right?<\/p>\n