An adverb is a word that modifies verbs, adjectives,
adverbs and prepositions. While adjectives tell you more
about a noun or pronoun, adverbs do the same for verbs.
Adverbs tell you, among other things, how (manner),
when (time) or where (place) an action took place.
E.g.
• She sang beautifully. (manner)
• She came early for the interview. (time)
• I stayed here when I visited Hanoi. (place)
Some adverbs also moderate or intensify adjectives or
adverbs.
E.g.
• That was an extremely entertaining performance.
• I wouldn’t recommend it. It was a very bad show.
• I went to the market rather early on Saturday.
• She danced remarkably well.
Possible Positions of Adverbs in a Sentence
At the beginning of a sentence (usually to
emphasise a point).
• Finally, we found our way back to the camp.
In the middle of a sentence.
• The philanthropist rarely reveals his identity
when he makes his donations.
At the end of a sentence, after a verb.
• She screamed loudly.
Adverbs may be categorised into the following classes:
Manner : gracefully, sadly, slowly, well Time :
before, now, since, eventually Place : here,
there, everywhere, nowhere Degree : almost,
quite, very, rather Number : once, twice
Interrogative : where, when, how
Adverbs of Manner
Adverbs of manner tell you the way an action is
performed. They answer the question how? Usually,
the adverb follows the verb.
E.g.
• The students cheered enthusiastically when they
were told that they were getting a holiday.
Sometimes, the adverb is placed before the verb to
emphasise the manner of the action.
E.g.
• He deliberately tripped the rude boy.
• She suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
Although many adverbs of manner end in -ly, not all do.
E.g.
• She’s trying hard to impress the judges.
Adverbs of Time
Adverbs of time answer the questions when? how long? and
how often?
E.g.
• Lunch will be ready soon.
• Jenny visited us twice last year but we haven’t seen
her since.
• Harold rarely visits his grandparents.
Possible Positions of Adverbs of Time
in a Sentence
At the beginning of the sentence, usually for emphasis.
E.g. Frankly, the job is not worth doing for the money alone.
After the verb or at the end of a sentence.
E.g. The school looked very different then.
Before the verb.
E.g. The neighbours now realise what had happened.
Adverbs of Degree
Adverbs of degree answer the question how much? or to what
extent? They increase or reduce the force of the word they
describe. They are usually used with adjectives and are placed
before the adjective that they describe.
E.g. The students put up a totally entertaining performance.
They are used with other adverbs and are placed before the
adverb they describe.
E.g. The young man walked incredibly slowly.
When used with verbs, they come before the verb.
E.g.
• The audience absolutely hated the show.
• Adverbs are used to indicate comparison in the
same way as adjectives. They generally form the
comparative or superlative by adding more and
most to the positive adverb.
Positive Comparative Superlative
early earlier earliest
long longer longest
bravely more bravely most bravely
carefully more carefully most carefully
greedily more greedily most greedily
Exceptions:
Positive Comparative Superlative
badly worse worst
well better best
Confusion between Adjectives and Adverbs
Adjectives describe nouns and pronouns. Using adjectives
to modify verbs, adverbs or other adjectives is not
Standard English.
E.g.
He behaves strange. (not Standard English)
He behaves strangely. (Standard English)
After a few lessons Tom sang real well.(not Standard
English)
After a few lessons Tom sang really well.(Standard English)
