3. THE DEFINITION
Adverbs are words that modify:
• a verb
( He drives slowly )
• an adjective
( David is extremely clever)
• another adverb
( She moved very slowly down the aisle )
• a whole sentence
( Luckily, the car stopped in time )
Adverbs often tell when , where , why , how or how much
something happens or happened.
4. Type
Example
Answer the
question
Other adverbs
Adverb of manner She sings
beautifully
How ?!
Slowly , clearly ,
easily
Adverb of place
The concert was
held outdoors
Where ?
Away , here , up ,
there
Adverb of time
I’ll see you
tomorrow
When ?
Later , now , soon
Adverb of
frequency
I never arrive late How often?!
Always , usually ,
forever
Adverb of degree
It was too hot!
Extremely, so ,
very , almost
How much?
5. Many adverbs are formed by adding –ly to an adjective
Adjective
slow
beautiful
Adverb
slowly
beautifully quietly
quiet
easy
specific
easily
specifically
Note :
There are some adjectives also end in –ly, including costly,
manly, deadly, friendly, lively, and timely.
These are not
adverbs
6. Where is the adjective and where is the
adverb?
I’ll catch the early train.
I woke up early this morning.
This is the adj. because it
comes before the noun.
This is the adv. because it
comes after the verb.
7. Position of adverbs :
Adverb of manner :
-It comes after the verb or at the end of the sentence.
She walks quietly out of the house.
Their teacher speaks quietly.
Adverb of time :
-It usually comes at the end of the sentence.
I will tell you the story tomorrow.
-But if you want to emphasize the time you should put it at the
beginning of the sentence.
Tomorrow, I will tell you the story .
Adverb of place :
-It comes after the direct object.
I didn’t see him here.
-If there is no object it comes after the main verb.
He stayed behind.
8. Adverb of degree :
- It comes before what it modifies.
The exam was extremely difficult .
It was quite hot.
Adverb of frequency :
-It comes before the main verb.
I always get up at 6:00.
-Or between the auxiliary and the main verb.
He doesn’t always play tennis.
Mandy can usually play football on Sundays.
-Or after the verb to be.
Susan is never late.
-The adverbs normally, usually, sometimes and occasionally can go at
the beginning of the sentence.
Sometimes, I go swimming.
9. Order of adverbs:
There is a basic order in which adverbs will
appear when there is more than one
verb
manner
place
frequency
Dad walks
slowly
into town every
afternoon
time
before
supper
to get a
newspaper
10. Order of adverbs:
There is a basic order in which adverbs will
appear when there is more than one
verb
manner
place
frequency
Dad walks
slowly
into town every
afternoon
time
before
supper
to get a
newspaper
