Manuscript Analysis Free · in-browser · optional cloud history

Adverb Counter

Count -ly adverbs, highlight top offenders, and see density per 1,000 words.

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Paste your text above, then click Analyze — or try Sample.

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About this tool

Adverbs are not forbidden, but AI drafts often lean on -ly modifiers. This adverb counter totals every -ly adverb, ranks the most frequent, shows density per 1,000 words, and highlights occurrences so you can replace weak modifiers with stronger verbs.

Why manuscript analysis matters for fiction

Rule-based analyzers catch patterns human eyes skim past—especially in AI drafts where filter words, adverbs, and passive voice cluster predictably. Use metrics to prioritize revision, not to flatten your voice. Run a chapter first, fix the worst offenders, then scan the full manuscript.

Editing guides · AI manuscript editing

How to use it

  1. Paste your prose into the text area.
  2. Click Analyze to count and highlight adverbs.
  3. Check density — many editors target under 15–20 per 1,000 words.
  4. Review the top-adverb list for repeat offenders.
  5. Revise flagged lines and re-scan.

Tips for fiction authors

  • Replace "walked slowly" with "shuffled" or "crept." A precise verb eliminates the adverb and adds character.
  • Adverbs on dialogue tags ("said quietly") almost always weaken. Use an action beat instead: "She lowered her voice."
  • Action scenes benefit most from adverb cutting — every -ly modifier slows pacing where speed matters.
  • Genre matters: literary fiction tolerates more adverbs than thrillers. Compare your density to published books in your genre.

Common questions

How many adverbs are too many?

There is no hard rule, but commercial fiction often stays under 15–20 -ly adverbs per 1,000 words. Use the density stat as a benchmark.

Does it count words like "only" or "family"?

The tool filters common false positives like "only," "early," and "family" that end in -ly but are not adverbs.

Should I delete all adverbs?

No. Cut adverbs that duplicate what the verb already shows, and keep those that add meaning or voice.

Related guides

Why AI Writes Every Character Wanting the Same Thing How to Use AI to Diagnose and Fix Sentence-Level Monotony How to Use AI to Write a Character's Interior Monologue Style How to Control AI's Punctuation Habits to Match Your Authorial Voice