Adverbs

What are Adverbs?

An adverb is a word that is used to modify or qualify several types of words like an adjective, a verb, a clause, another adverb, a preposition or even the whole sentence. Adverbs will generally answer the question of how, when, where, etc.

Types of Adverbs

1. Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of manner are words that describe how an action is performed. They provide more information about the way an action takes place. Most adverbs of manner are formed by adding "-ly" to an adjective.

Examples:

→ She painted the intricate details on the canvas carefully, ensuring every stroke was precise and deliberate.
→ The athlete ran briskly across the track, leaving competitors trailing behind with each swift and powerful stride.
→ The scientist vigorously conducted experiments, meticulously analysing data to uncover groundbreaking results in the field of quantum physics.
→ The leader solemnly addressed the nation, expressing condolences for the tragic events and calling for unity in the face of adversity.
→ The friends laughed merrily as they reminisced about old times, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.

2. Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of time are words that modify or describe the timing or frequency of an action or event. They answer the question "when?" or "how often?"

Examples:

→ Yesterday, she diligently completed her intricate homework assignment before midnight.
→ Despite his demanding schedule, he consistently engages in a comprehensive exercise routine.
→ In the quiet serenity of the late evening, they are currently engrossed in the meticulous examination of intricate literary works.
→ As the Sun dipped below the horizon, they prepared to embark on their eagerly anticipated journey, scheduled to commence in the not-too-distant future.
→ Since the crack of dawn, he has been diligently immersed in a myriad of tasks, displaying unwavering commitment to his work.

3. Adverbs of Place/ Location

Adverbs of place or location provide information about where an action takes place.

Examples:

→ The secret laboratory was located within the heart of the dense, impenetrable jungle, guarded by an electrified fence.
→ The majestic castle stood on the hill, visible from afar, its turrets reaching towards the sky.
→ The riverbank was lined with weeping willows, their branches trailing alongside the slow-flowing water.
→ The quaint village was nestled betwixt rolling hills, a place seemingly frozen in time.
→ The two houses were built adjacent to each other, sharing a common wall and a vibrant garden.

4. Adverbs of Degree

Adverbs of degree modify adjectives, verbs, and other adverbs, indicating the intensity or degree of the action or quality they describe.

Examples:

→ The novel was quite interesting, but the movie adaptation was even more captivating.
→ The athlete ran so fast that he almost broke the world record.
→ The weather changed quite suddenly, catching everyone off guard.
→ Surprisingly, she finished the marathon despite the adverse weather conditions.
→ Unfortunately, the team performed poorly in the crucial match.

5. Adverbs of Quantity

Adverbs of quantity are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs by indicating the extent, degree, or quantity of the action or quality being described.

Examples:

→ The professor was extremely pleased with the students' research papers.
→ The chef partially followed the traditional recipe, adding a modern twist to the dish.
→ The new software update virtually eliminates all known bugs and improves performance significantly.
→ The detective had scarcely begun the investigation when he discovered a crucial piece of evidence.
→ The garden was abundantly filled with colourful flowers and fragrant herbs.

6. Adverbs of Attitude

Adverbs of attitude, also known as adverbs of manner or adverbs of degree, are words that describe the manner or intensity of an action. They provide more information about the verb in a sentence.

Examples:

→ Shelly completed her project enthusiastically, showcasing her passion for the subject.
→ The artist meticulously painted each detail of the masterpiece, leaving no room for imperfections.
→ Despite facing numerous challenges, the athlete relentlessly pursued his goal of breaking the world record.
→ The ballerina moved across the stage elegantly, capturing the audience with her graceful movements.
→ The customer was disappointed when the cashier rudely dismissed their complaint about the faulty product.

7. Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency are words that indicate how often an action occurs. They help provide information about the frequency or regularity of an action.

Examples:

→ He always completes his assignments before the deadline, ensuring high-quality work.
→ They often collaborate on innovative projects to enhance their skills.
→ Sometimes, unexpected challenges arise, testing our ability to adapt.
→ Jane rarely misses a class, demonstrating her commitment to academic success.
→ Seldom do we encounter such a unique opportunity for hands-on learning.
→ Apart from the above-given types, there are two more types of adverbs:

Relative Adverb

Relative adverbs are words that introduce relative clauses and answer the question "where," "when," or "why." They help provide additional information about a noun in a sentence. 

Examples: 

→ I visited the city where my grandparents grew up, and I learnt a lot about our family history.
→ She recalled the moment when she first realised her passion for astronomy.
→ The film explored the circumstances of why the protagonist made such a life-altering decision.

Interrogative Adverb

An interrogative adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective or other adverb in a sentence and is used to ask a question. Interrogative adverbs typically seek information about the manner, place, time, frequency, reason or degree of an action or situation.

Example:

→ How did she manage to solve such a complex problem so quickly?
→ Where did they discover the ancient artefact?
→ When will the scientists conduct the experiment to test their hypothesis?
→ Why did he choose to pursue a career in environmental science?
→ In what way can the government address the challenges of urbanisation?

Position of Adverbs

Adverbs can be placed in different positions within a sentence to modify different elements. Let's understand it further:

1. End of a Sentence: Adverbs are commonly placed at the end of a sentence.

Example: At the party, everyone was praising her because she sang beautifully.

2. Beginning of a Sentence: Adverbs can also be placed at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the action.

Example: Quickly, she finished her work and rushed for shopping.

3. Before the Main Verb: Adverbs are often placed before the main verb.

Example: Jack usually eats breakfast before 8 a.m.

4. After the Auxiliary Verb: When there is an auxiliary (helping) verb, the adverb usually comes after it.

Example: She has always been a good dentist.

5. Before Adjectives or Other Adverbs: Adverbs can modify adjectives or other adverbs and are placed before them.

Example: He is very talented. He must have cracked the entrance.

6. Mid-position (for adverbs of frequency): Adverbs of frequency (e.g., always, often, usually) are often placed between the subject and the main verb.

Example: Sussan often goes to the gym to stay fit.

7. Splitting Verb Phrases: Adverbs can sometimes split verb phrases, especially in informal language.

Example: I will definitely call you back once I reach home.

8. In Question Sentences: Adverbs are commonly placed at the beginning or end of question sentences.

Example: Did you see him yesterday?