Adverbs
An adverb is a word which modifies the meaning of a verb, adjective or another adverb. Adverbs are divided into many classes according to their meaning.
Adverbs of Time
Which shows when)
(I heard this story before.
The minister arrived late.
Barbara left office a few minutes ago.
Does he come here daily?
Adverbs of Number
(Which shows how often)
The principal has warned him twice.
Ranjan seldom comes to the library.
Children often make mistakes.
He will call again.
Some students frequently come unprepared.
Adverbs of Place
Which shows where)
Wait here.
The dog followed its master everywhere.
The doctor is out.
Please come in.
The horse galloped away.
Adverbs of Manner
(Which shows how or in what manner)
Sara reads clearly.
The soldier fought bravely.
This is a well-written essay.
The cleaner worked hard.
You should not say so.
Adverbs of Degree or Quantity
(Which shows how much or in what degree or to what extent)
These pineapples are almost ripe.
Are you fully prepared for the debate?
Don’t disturb, I’m rather busy.
She is partly responsible for the accident.
Amanda sings pretty well.
Adverbs of Affirmation or Negation
Surely you should have known it.
I do not know the answer.
Interrogative Adverbs
(Used to ask questions)
Where is Thomas?
When did you come?
Why are you late?
How did you get it?
What is happening here?
Adverbs of Duration
(How long something lasts)
The minister spoke briefly at the meeting.
Roland works temporarily as a waiter.
The health workers’ strike will continue indefinitely.
In the past, ministry secretaries were appointed permanently.
The teacher always carries an umbrella.
Nothing lasts forever.
Sentence adverbs
(Modify the whole sentence)
The witness is obviously not telling the truth.
Sam certainly works hard.
In fact I was expecting a much higher salary.
I will definitely vote for him.
Position of Adverbs
The adverb usually comes after the verb.
You speak English well.
His reply came promptly.
The adverb comes after a ‘be’ verb.
Susan is always late to school.
If the verb is in the simple present or simple past, the adverb comes before the verb.
Joe often comes late to office.
The following adverbs usually come at the end of a sentence:
Mary went home.
The driver is waiting outside.
I posted the application yesterday.
I meet him daily.
Two adverbs sometimes go together joined by the Conjunction ‘and.’
Again and again (repeatedly)
By and by (before long)
Far and near (in all directions)
Far and wide (comprehensively)
First and foremost (first of all)
Now and then (occasionally)
Off and on (not regularly)
Out and out (decidedly)
Over and above (besides)
Through and through (completely)
To and fro (up and down)
Comparison of Adverbs
Like adjectives, some adverbs have three degrees of comparison.
Positive Comparativ Superlative
Fast faster fastest
Hard harder hardest
Long longer longest
Soon sooner soonest
Adverbs ending in ‘ly’ form the comparative adding ‘more’and the superlative by adding‘most.’
Positive Comparative Superlative
Swiftly more swiftly most swiftly
Skilfully more skilfully most skilfully
Some adverbs form their comparative and superlative degrees irregularly.
Positive Comparative Superlative
Badly worse worst
Well better best
Much more most
Little less least
Near nearer nearest
Far farther farthest
Fourth further furthest
Late later last
Formation of adverbs
Some adverbs are formed from adjectives by adding ‘ly’.
Adjective Adverb
Clever cleverly
Wise wisely
Kind kindly
Foolish foolishly
Quick quickly
Beautiful beautifully
Happy happily
Ready readily
Heavy heavily
Single singly
Double doubly
