What is an adverb?
An adverb is a word which modifies or adds to the meaning of a verb an adjective or another adverb.
Adverbs may be divided according to their use into the following classes.
Adverb of time
Before, now, since, than, already, soon etc...
e.g.: She has been here before
Adverb of place
Here, there, everywhere, nowhere, somewhere.
e.g.: Susan came here yesterday.
Adverb of manner
Badly, easily, slowly, timely, kindly, rapidly, nicely, foolishly.
e.g.: The teacher quickly answered the question.
Adverb of before
Almost, much, only, quit, very, rather...
e.g.: The add woman whaled very slowly.
Adverb of number
Once, twice, thrice
e.g.: He ran twice round the field.
Adverb of questioning
Where? When? How?
e.g.: When did you see him?
Adverb of affirmative or negative
Yes, no, not, certainly
e.g.: She can certainly eat.
I have not read the book.
Many adverbs are often used as connecting word and therefore become conjunctions. The majority of adverbs are formed from corresponding adjectives by adding "ly".
e.g.: quickly; bravely; seriously; happily; easily; slowly; quietly; angrily; fatally.
Adverbs are compared in the same ways adjectives. As most adverbs are two syllable word or longer they generally from the comparative and superlative by adding "more" and "most" to the positive.
Regular and irregular adverbs
Positive |
comparative |
Superlative |
early |
earlier |
earliest |
Soon |
sooner |
soonest |
Long |
longer |
longest |
Fast |
faster |
fastest |
|
||
bitterly |
more bitterly |
most bitterly |
freely |
more freely |
most freely |
slowly |
more slowly |
most slowly |
bravely |
more bravely |
most bravely |
|
||
far |
farther |
farthest |
well |
better |
best |
much |
more |
most |
badly |
worse |
worst |
forth |
farther |
furthest |
Some common verbs with suitable adverbs
- waited - patiently; anxiously
- wept - bitterly; sadly; touchingly
- spoke - clearly; slowly; loudly
- spent - foolishly; stupidly; freely
- smiled - happily; broadly
- slept - badly; quietly
- remembered - clearly; distinctly
- ran - quickly; slowly
- listened - attentively; carefully
- left - hurriedly; quietly; happily
- explained - loudly; clearly
- ate - hungrily; greedily; quickly; slowly
- answer - correctly; immediately; exactly
- walked - rapidly; slowly