Adverbs
Adverbs describe verbs and modify adjectives and other adverbs. Adverbs, unlike adjectives, do not modify nouns. Adverbs
can also modify phrases, clauses, and sentences.
Adverbs answer one of the following questions: When? Where? Why? How?
Under what conditions? and To what extent?
Example:
Types of adverbs
| Types of adverbs | Examples |
|---|---|
| manner | well, badly, accurately, quickly |
| place | here, there, in the laboratory |
| time | now, yesterday, in 2000 |
| indefinite frequency | often, seldom, usually |
| definite frequency | monthly, never, once a year |
| degree/extent | slightly, considerably, totally |
| probability | possibly, probably, certainly |
| attitude/opinion | naturally, surprisingly, in my opinion |
| aspect | technically, politically, scientifically |
Adverbs of Time
An adverb of time answers the question When? Adverbs of time include:
after, always, before, during, early, later,
never, now, often, rarely, recently, sometimes, soon, then, today, tomorrow, usually, yesterday, etc.
Example: John will attend the soccer game after he finishes his homework. (After answers the question: When
will John attend the soccer game?)
Adverbs of Manner
An adverb of manner answers the question How? Adverbs of manner include: badly, beautifully, better, bravely,
cheerfully, fast, hard, quickly, slowly, inadequately, healthy, well, etc.
Example: Sarah slowly walked over the rocky beach. (Slowly answers the question: How did Sarah walk?)
Adverbs of Place
An adverb of place answers the question Where? Adverbs of place include: above, away, below, down, here, inside,
near, outside, there, up, etc.
Example: Susan placed the boxes above the file cabinet. (Above answers the question: Where did Susan place
the boxes?)
Adverbs of Degree
An adverb of degree answers the question How much? It describes the strength and intensity at which something
happens. Adverbs of degree include: almost, completely, enough, entirely, extremely, hardly, just, little, much, nearly,
quite, rather, very, too, etc.
Example: John worked very hard to complete his part of the project. (Very answers the question: How hard
did John work?)
Adverbs of Frequency
An adverb of frequency answers the question How often? Adverbs of frequency include: always, never, usually,
frequently, occasionally, rarely, seldom, sometimes, etc.
Example: Bob always forgets to check his email before class begins. (Before answers the question: How often
does Bob forget to check his email?)
Formation of adverbs
Adding –ly to the end
Many adverbs are formed by adding –ly to an adjective.
Example: clear/clearly hard/hardly
Irregular Adverbs
Some adverbs do not use the –ly ending. These adverbs do not have a particular form. Following is a list of some of the most common irregular adverbs: already, also, always, here, never, not, now, often, quite, seldom, soon, still, then, there, too, very well.
Adverb Placement
Adverbs are flexible in their placement; therefore, they can be placed just about anywhere within the sentence.
At the beginning of a sentence or a clause
Example: Clearly, John has a problem arriving to work on time.
At the end of a sentence or a clause
Example: Sarah and John attend the opera frequently.
After the verb
Example: Bob and John have always participated in the soccer tournament.
Between the subject and the verb
Example: Sarah rarely forgets to call home when she is out late.