The following table gives examples of six different types of adverb which can be used
to modify verbs.
Adverbs
Adverbs are the words that tell us more about the actual verb that is being used. It is the
adverb that changes the verb, and they can also change adjectives.
• Function
• Form
• Position
The main job of the adverb is to give us more detailed information about the adjective,
verb and other adverbs being used.
Changing A Verb
• Daniel speaks quietly – The adverb in this sentence is quietly, and the word it is
changing is speaks.
• Sarah lives locally – the adverb is locally and the word being changed is lives.
The adverbs have many other functions such as changing an entire sentence or changing
certain phrases.
You may notice that many of the adverbs end in –ly. Adverbs are actually formed by
adding –ly to the end of an adjective:
• Softly
• Quickly
• Honestly
• Strongly
Don’t think though, that all words that end in –ly must be adverbs. Some words such as
“friendly” are actually adjectives.
The adverb can be found in three places in a sentence: the beginning, the middle and the
end. When the adverb is at the beginning, it will come before the subject. When it is in
the middle, it will come between the subject and then the main verb. When at the end of
a sentence, the adverb will be after either the verb or the subject.