Summary: Used to modify the meaning of verbs, adjectives and other adverbs.
Explanation: The adverb loudly modifies the verb ‘to bark’ to give more information about how the dog is barking. In this
case, that the dog is barking is very loud.
Use:
Like adjectives, adverbs are used to give more information about another word. Adjectives give more information about
nouns, but adverbs give more information about verbs, adjectives or other adverbs.
Form:
Adverbs can generally be formed by adding –ly to an adjective. The adverb usually follows the word it is modifying.
Clear….Clearly
Slow…Slowly
Easy…Easily
Happy…Happily.
Fashionable… Fashionably
Terrible…Terribly
Basic…Basically
Economic….Economically
More Examples:
ADVERBS OF DEGREE
Summary: Used to describe the intensity or degree of a verb, adjective or other adverb.
Explanation: The adverb of degree really intensifies the adjective ‘happy’ to indicate that ‘I am happy to the highest degree’.
Use:
We use adverbs of degree to increase or decrease the intensity of an action, adjective or other adverb.
Form:
When it is modifying a conjugated verb with an auxiliary, it is placed between the two.
More Examples:
Explanation: The adverb daily is used to describe how often the newspaper is published. We use an adverb of definite
frequency because we know that It is published every day.
Use:
Unlike adverbs of indefinite frequency, we use adverbs of definite frequency to tell us the exact number of times an action
happens.
Form:
Adverbs of definite frequency modify can directly follow the verb, or be at the beginning or the end of a sentence.
More Examples:
Explanation: The adverb of indefinite frequency sometimes is used because we are talking generally about how often ‘my
mom and I’ speak.
Use:
Unlike adverbs of definite frequency, we use adverbs of indefinite frequency to state in general terms how ofthen
something happens.
Form:
Adverbs of indefinite frequency are usually placed in the middle of a sentence, often before a verb.
However, the adverbs sometimes, occasionally, often, frequently, and usually are often placed at the beginning or end of a
sentence.
More examples:
ADVERBS OF CERTAINTY
Explanation: We use the adverb of certainty probably to express that the speaker is reasonably sure that traffic is the
reason he is late.
Use:
We use the adverbs of certainty to say how confident we are that something is true. Adverbs of certainty describe verbs
and adjectives.
Form:
Common adverbs of certainty are certainly, definitely, probably, undoubtedly, and surely.
If we use the verb ‘to be’, the adverb of certainty follows the verb.
If there is an auxiliary verb, adverbs of certainty come between the auxiliary and the main verb.
Adverbs of certainly can also come at the beginning of the sentence and are followed by a comma.
More examples:
Certainly, Ii locked the door when I left.
A used car definitely costs less than a new one.
I have probably read that book to my son one hundred times.
After the long fight, I will undoubtedly be very tired.
Miles Davis was surely the best jazz musician ever.
CONJUNTIVE ADVERBS
Summary: Used to join two main clauses or to introduce one main clause.
Explanation: The conjunctive adverbs also, joins the two main clauses.
Use:
We can use conjunctive adverbs to join two clauses. Conjunctive Adverbs can also introduce, interrupt, or conclude a single
main clause. Conjunctive Adverbs help make smooth transitions between ideas.
Form:
Some of the most commonly used conjunctive adverbs are accordingly, also, besides, consequently, conversely, finally,
furthermore, hence, however, indeed, instead, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, otherwise, still, subsequently,
then, and therefore. The different conjunctive adverbs describe different relationships between the clauses.
When a conjunctive adverb connects two complete ideas, we use a semicolon to connect the two clauses, and we use a
comma after the conjunctive adverb.
When a conjunctive adverb is used to introduce, interrupt, or conclude a single main clause, we use commands to separate
the conjunctive adverb from the rest of the sentence.
More Examples:
She travelled through South America; subsequently, she learned to speak Spanish.
He was always afraid of heights; nevertheless, he became a pilot.
The woman lost 50kg; therefore, she had to buy new clothes. & I have short legs; consequently, I will never be a
fashion model.