Shout loudly

Can you shout quietly?

Nope.

So, do we need to explicitly mention the shouting was loud?

I don't think so.

In this case:

• Shout = Verb
• Loudly = Adverb
  
  

The adverb's job [loudly] is to modify the verb [shout].

But “loudly” doesn't modify anything, it's just repetition. Here are some more examples where the adverb does no work:

• Smile happily = Smiling already embodies happiness
• Bolt hastily = If you bolt, you always do it hastily
• Mutter quietly = Muttering is always quiet
• Gently caress = Caressing demands a gentle touch
• Run quickly = Running is always quick
• Slowly amble = To amble is to move at a slow, easy pace
• Moan grumpily = Moaning is always done grumpily
  
  

We have two options when verbs and adverbs take on the same work. If our verb is fresh, precise, powerful, and poetic, leave it to work alone. I like bolt, mutter, and amble as solitary workers.

If our verb is weak, dull, and insipid then we question what single word captures the intensity of what led us to repeat the idea.

• Smile happily might become grin
• Run quickly might become sprint
• Shout loudly might become blare
• Moan grumpily might become gripe
  
  

Understanding the true meaning of a word can help us avoid these useless repetitions.