An adverb is a word that can modify or describe a verb, adjective, another adverb, or entire sentence. Adverbs can be used to show manner (how something happens), degree (to what extent), place (where), and time (when).
Adverbs are usually formed by adding -ly to the end of an adjective (e.g., “quick” becomes “quickly”), although there are also other adverbs that don’t have this ending. There are also adverbial phrases, series of words that play the grammatical role of adverbs.
Adverbs and linking verbs
Adverbs are sometimes confused with adjectives when they are used with linking verbs (i.e. a verb that connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement that describes it).
While adverbs can be used to describe how an action is done, linking verbs (e.g., “look,” “feel,” “sound,” “be”) refer to states of being and therefore take an adjective rather than an adverb.
1. Adverbs of manner
An adverb of manner describes how an action is performed or how something happens. In most cases, adverbs of manner occur after the main verb.
Example: Adverbs of manner in a sentence
Jessie read quietly.
2. Adverbs of degree
Adverbs of degree are used to qualify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs by expressing extent or degree. Some common adverbs of degree include: “extremely,” “absolutely,” “slightly,” “quite,” and “enough.”
Example: Adverbs of degree in a sentence
The medication had a very positive effect.
3. Adverbs of place
An adverb of place provides information about the location of an action (e.g., position, distance, and direction). Adverbs of place typically occur after the main verb of a sentence.
Example: “Adverbs of place” in a sentence
Go downstairs and open the door.
4. Adverbs of time
Adverbs of time (e.g., “yesterday,” “today,” “tomorrow”) describe when something happens. They are typically placed at the end of a sentence.
Example: Adverbs of time in a sentence
I have to run, but I’ll see you tomorrow.
5. Adverbs of frequency
Adverbs of frequency describe how often something happens. They can be divided into two categories based on how specific they are.
Adverbs of indefinite frequency (e.g., “always,” “sometimes,” “never”) give an idea of how often something occurs, but they don’t give an exact timeframe. Adverbs of indefinite frequency are usually placed before the main verb.
Examples: Adverbs of indefinite frequency in a sentence
Anna always works on Saturdays.
6. Adverbs of purpose
Adverbs of purpose (also called adverbs of reason) help to explain why something is the case. Many adverbs of purpose function as conjunctive adverbs. Other adverbs of purpose usually take the form of adverbial phrases instead of individual words.
Example: Adverbs of purpose in a sentence
The company made a huge profit; therefore, the employees were given raises.
- Fill in the blanks with the correct adverbs.
seldom again too once just
carefully everywhere very often enough1. He has warned you and me ………
2. She is ……… busy.
3. I searched for my Bluetooth speaker ……… in the house.
4. Ganesh ……… talks to me.
5. He said, “Don’t repeat it ……….”
6. This man had scolded me ………
7. Please listen to him ………
8. The bus has ………. arrived.
9. Abhishek is not tall ………
10. Why does Kunal ……… yell at her?
2. Identify the types of adverbs in the given sentences.
1. Shahnawaz always pokes him.
2. I have endured enough.
3. Kavita often misses class.
4. His friend is too boring.
5. The pilot lowered the helicopter slowly.
6. She went late.
7. They are unable to go anywhere.
8. We seldom attend this party.
9. A humble person can never behave like this.
10. The water tank is almost full.
3. Find the adjectives in the first sentence and fill in the blanks with the corresponding adverb in the second sentence.
1. Ajay is very polite. He always talks ………
2. The train is slow. It’s going ………
3. His voice was loud. He spoke ………
4. The English teacher asked me an easy question. I answered it very ………
5. Love is blind. She loves him ………
6. Ansh is a good carpenter. He makes things ………
7. Nagma is a gentle girl. She treated the villagers ………
8. He is a bad player. He plays ………
9. It is an annual function. It’s done ………
10. Gangaram is a very happy man. He lives ………
4. Fill in the blanks with a suitable adverb.
1. Jack has come to India ………
( a ) always
( b ) once
( c ) rare
( d ) None of the above
2. I would ……… go to foreign counties.
( a ) sometime
( b ) very
( c ) rarely
( d ) too
3. We ……… visit our uncle’s house.
( a ) sometimes
( b ) some time
( c ) every week
( d ) none
4. They were looking like a ……… married couple.
( a ) new
( b ) dumbly
( c ) smartly
( d ) newly
5. I ……… abuse.
( a ) hardly
( b ) once
( c ) beautifully
( d ) none of them
6. His brother ……… travels by a private bus.
( a ) almost
( b ) kindly
( c ) usually
( d ) acutely
7. My husband ……… takes a cup of tea before bathing.
( a ) quickly
( b ) always
( c ) freely
( d ) none
8. I was very tired last night, I couldn’t sleep ………
( a ) good
( b ) well
( c ) better
( d ) in a well way
9. The CEO of the company works ………
( a ) fastly
( b ) slow
( c ) hardly
( d ) hard
10. Mr. Sheikh is ……… known in London.
( a ) few
( b ) little
( c ) seldom
( d ) none o the above