Adverb #2
Examples of Adverbs
Kindly, slowly, here, often, and very are examples of adverbs. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Modify means to add to or change the meaning of a word.
Spotting an Adverb
End in "-ly"
Many adverbs end in “-ly”. If you are not sure of the part of speech a word would be, and it ends with “-ly”, it is probably an adverb.
Examples include:
Financially
Willfully
Abruptly
Endlessly
Firmly
Delightfully
Quickly
Lightly
Eternally
Delicately
Wearily
Sorrowfully
Beautifully
Truthfully
Other examples of adverbs would be words that how something was done or the manner in which it was done. These would be words like:
Uneasily
Weirdly
Cheerfully
Expertly
Wholeheartedly
Randomly
Brutally
Really
Briskly
Sloppily
Wickedly
Tell Where Action Happened
Some adverbs tell the place of an action, or where it occurred. Adverbs like this would be:
Here
There
Everywhere
Somewhere
In
Inside
Underground
Out
Outside
Upstairs
Downstairs
Tell When Action Happened
Examples of adverbs that tell when an action occurred, or its time, include:
Now
First
Last
Early
Yesterday
Tomorrow
Today
Later
Regularly
Often
Never
Monthly
Always
Usually
Tell the Extent of the Action
Adverbs can describe to what extent something was done or an action was executed, including:
Very
Too
Almost
Also
Only
Enough
So
Quite
Almost
Rather
Adverbs Are Intensifiers
One function of adverbs is to intensify the meaning of the word it is modifying. It does this by either putting more or less emphasis on the word, amplifying the meaning of the word, or to toning down the feeling of the word.
Here are some sentences with the emphasizing adverb underlined:
I really don’t care.
He literally wrecked his car.
I am certain of the facts, for sure.
You simply don’t understand.
I so want to go to the concert.
Sentences that amplify would be like:
She completely rejected his proposal.
I heartily endorsed the new restaurant.
I so want that new toy.
He completely understands me.
I absolutely refuse to stay here any longer.
Adverbs and adverb phrases that tone down the feeling or mood would include:
I sort of felt betrayed by you.
You can improve on this to some extent.
She kind of likes the movie.
The boss almost quit his job after that.
I somewhat understand what you are saying.
She mildly disapproved of his actions.
Adverb Phrases
Adverb phrases function like adverbs. They can tell when, how, where, and to what extent or purpose. Adverb phrases can start with a preposition.
Some examples of these are:
With a hammer
Next door
Before the holidays
Every month
For his mother
Adverb phrases can also start with the infinitive form of a verb, like in these examples: to buy a car, to support the team, or to show her mother.
Here is a list of sentences with the adverb phrase underlined:
He lived in the north of Germany.
We decided to buy a car.
She went to the movie every month.
I laughed every time he cracked a joke.
It is kept where the students can read it.
She looked as if she were guilty.
He acts like he owns the place.
I went to bed after I finished my homework.
Please stay as long as possible.
An adverb or adverb phrase is a workhorse in the world of grammar, changing and enhancing the meaning of their partner verbs.
ADVERBS OF MANNER
Adverbs of manner tell us how something happens. They are usually placed either after the main verb or after the object.
EXAMPLES
He swims well.
He ran quickly.
She spoke softly.
James coughed loudly to attract her attention.
He plays the flute beautifully. (after the direct object)
He ate the chocolate cake greedily. (after the direct object)
An adverb of manner cannot be put between a verb and its direct object. The adverb must be placed either before the verb or at the end of the clause.
EXAMPLES
He ate greedily the chocolate cake. [incorrect]
He ate the chocolate cake greedily. [correct]
He greedily ate the chocolate cake. [correct]
He gave us generously the money. [incorrect]
He gave us the money generously. [correct]
He generously gave us the money. [correct]
If there is a preposition before the verb's object, you can place the adverb of manner either before the preposition or after the object.
EXAMPLES
The child ran happily towards his mother.
The child ran towards his mother happily.
Adverbs of manner should always come immediately after verbs which have no object (intransitive verbs).
EXAMPLES
The town grew quickly after 1997.
He waited patiently for his mother to arrive.
These common adverbs of manner are almost always placed directly after the verb: well, badly, hard, & fast
EXAMPLES
He swam well despite being tired.
The rain fell hard during the storm.
The position of the adverb is important when there is more than one verb in a sentence. If the adverb is placed before or after the main verb, it modifies only that verb. If the adverb is placed after a clause, then it modifies the whole action described by the clause. Notice the difference in meaning between the following sentences.
Example Meaning
She quickly agreed to re-type the letter. the agreement is quick
She agreed quickly to re-type the letter. the agreement is quick
She agreed to re-type the letter quickly. the re-typing is quick
He quietly asked me to leave the house. the request is quiet
He asked me quietly to leave the house. the request is quiet
He asked me to leave the house quietly. the leaving is quiet
