Dear Comrade:
Last week we finished the study of adverbs and we found that they were a
very important part of our vocabulary, and that most of us needed a
greater supply than we at present possess. This is true of both adverbs
and adjectives. While we do not use as many adverbs as adjectives in our
ordinary speech, nevertheless, adverbs are a very important factor in
expression. A great many adjectives can be readily turned into adverbs.
They are adjectives when they are used to describe a noun, but by the
addition of a suffix, they become adverbs used to describe the action
expressed by the verb. So in adding to our stock of adjectives we also
add adverbs to our vocabulary as well.
Watch your speech this week and make a list of the adverbs which you use
most commonly, then go to your dictionary and see if you cannot find
synonyms for these adverbs. Try using these synonyms for awhile and give
the adverbs which you have been using for so long, a well earned rest.
Remember that our vocabulary, and the power to use it, is like our
muscles, it can only grow and develop by exercise.
The best exercise which you can possibly find for this purpose is
conversation. We spend much more time in talking than in reading or in
writing. Conversation is an inexpensive pleasure and it does not even
require leisure always, for we can talk as we work; yet our conversation
can become a great source of inspiration and of influence as well as a
pleasant pastime. But do not spend your time in vapid and unprofitable
conversation. Surely there is some one in the list of your acquaintances
who would like to talk of things worth while. Hunt up this some one and
spend some portion of your day in profitable conversation.
Remember also that a limited vocabulary means also a limited mental
development. Did you ever stop to think that when we think clearly we
think in words? Our thinking capacity is limited, unless we have the
words to follow our ideas out to their logical conclusions.
This matter of vocabulary is a matter, too, that is exceedingly
practical. It means success or failure to us in the work which we would
like to do in the world. A command of words means added power and
efficiency; it means the power to control, or at least affect, our
environment; it means the power over men and things; it means the
difference between being people of ability and influence and being
obscure, inefficient members of society.
So feel when you are spending your time in increasing your vocabulary
that you are not only adding to your enjoyment of life but that you are
doing yourself the best practical turn; you are increasing your
efficiency in putting yourself in a position where you can make your
influence felt upon the people and circumstances about you. This effort
upon your part will bear practical fruit in your every day life.
Yours for Education,