Adverb plays important and vital role in describing circumstantial elements like place, time, manner, or purpose of the performed action. In the, “Describing correct use of adverbs” I’m going to provide detailed description of all the major types of adverbs.
Adverb is a word, mainly used to qualify or modify other words such as, verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs in the sentence.
Definition, use and importance of adverbs
Adverb is a word that functions to qualify, or modify the given meaning of-
1.Adjectives
2.Verbs, and
3.Other Adverbs.
Undoubtedly, adverb gives any sentence a complete meaning by describing circumstancial elements place, time or purpose of performed action.
Like other parts of speech, adverb is also classified into following types:
Adjective vs adverb difference
In english grammar, adjective describes noun in the form of quality, nature and features. It is a component of parts of .
While adverb describes or modify adjective, adverb, and verb in the given sentence. It is also component of Parts of speech
Understanding types and examples of adverbs
Following are the major types and examples of adverbs we use.
- Adverb of time
- Adverb of degree
- Adverb of frequency
- Adverb of comparison
- Adverb of place
- Adverb of manner
- Adverb of purpose,
- Adverbs of cause and reason
- Adverb of contrast, etc.
Describing functions of adverbs with examples
Following are the major functions of adverbs with useful examples. Actually, adverb functions to qualify or modify adjective, verb, and other adverbs.
1. Functions of adverb to qualify adjectives:-
- Cyclonic disasters are very big challenge for our country.
In this example, “very” is the ‘adverb of degree’ works to modify the meaning of given adjective or qualify adjective ‘Big’.
- Swimming is too difficult for me.
It is also the example of degree plays the to qualify adjective — difficult.
- Her learning capacity is so weak.
Here, “adverb of degree” is ‘so’ qualify adjective — weak.
2. Second functions of adverb to qualify verbs:-
- Our teacher never emphasised on rote learning.
In this case, ‘never’ is the ‘adverb of frequency’ and used to add orinformation or qualify verb – emphasised.
- My dog has lost just now.
This example shows the adverb of time to qualify verb.
- Tom always helps needy and poor.
In this sentence, ‘always’ is the adverb of frequency qualify verb–helps.
3. Third functions of adverb to qualify other adverbs
- He learns so quickly.
In this sentence, ‘so’ is the “adverb of degree”and used to modify even adverb – quickly.
4. Fourth function of adverb to qualify preposition:-
- He is driving right in front of the garden.
Besides, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs, it also qualify or modify preposition. In this example, adverb ‘right’ which is the adverb of direction, modify preposition – in front of.
Apart from this, adverbs also qualify or modify preposition, a phrase or even any sentence.
5. Fifth function of adverb to qualify sentence
When we use adverb to qualify a sentence, it is separated by comma at the beginning of the given sentence.
- Unfortunately, global warming is still out of control.
- Surely, he will be defeated in this game.
- Undoubtedly, he would be the undisputed leader of the nation.
Now let’s understand the classification of adverbs. It is essential for describing correct use of adverb.
Explaining classification of adverbs
Adverb is a grammatical term that modifies the meaning of verbs, other adverbs and adjectives in the sentence. In terms of location, adverbs are placed before words they modify.
On the basis of the functions, role and meanings, adverbs are classified as time, place, manner, degree, frequency, reason, comparison, contrast etc.
Classification of adverbs
Following is the general classification of adverbs on the basis of functions, role and meaning in the sentence. An overview of these types is important before describing correct use of adverb in detail.
- Adverb of time
- Adverb of place
- Adverb of manner
- Adverb of degree
- Adverb of frequency
- Adverb of reason
- Adverb of comparison
- Adverb of contrast
These are some types and examples of adverbs that I’m going to discuss now.
1.Adverb of time — Now, today, after, tomorrow etc.
- My brother, Sam, has doubling of mind regarding his degree. But, now, has decided to continue his MBA this year.
- We are free today. Let’s go for picnic.
If you answer question “When?” You will find the answer of “time adverb”.
Examples of time adverbs are — tomorrow, yesterday, today, soon, late, daily, monthly, etc.
2. Adverb of place– Above, up, down, far, near, etc.
If you ask the question “Where?” You will get correct answer of adverb of place.
- My house is far away from her. So, we need to take taxi or bus to reach there.
Other examples of adverbs of place — above, up, below, down, far, near, within, away, out etc.
3. Adverb of manner — Slowly, carefully, simply, etc.
If you ask the question “How?” You will get the adverbs of manner.
- Socrates preferred to sacrifice for democracy and fought bravely.
- We go for jogging regularly.
- He always exercise very hard to avoid obesity.
More examples of adverbs of manner are — slowly, carefully, systematically etc. Simply, add + ly to adjectives.
4. Adverb of degree –Enough, much, partly, completely, etc.
To get answer of adverb of degree, you need ask question “How?”
- They have almost reached at the destination.
- There are few chances to improve your essay.
Examples of adverb of degree are — little, enough, much, too, partly, absolutely, completely, etc.
5. Adverb of frequency — Often, always, once, sometimes, etc.
Once, firstly, secondly, again, never, frequently, sometimes etc. are the examples of adverb of frequency.
- IPCC always warned the global community about the possible impacts of carbon emissions. (Always – adverb of frequency)
6. Adverb of comparison — As …as, so…as, such….that, etc.
- Great warriors such as Alexander the great are always remembered.
As…as, so..as, such… that etc. are the examples of adverb of comparison.
This is mere an overview of the types and classification of adverbs as the parts of speech.
7. Adverb of reason — Therefore, thus, hence, so, etc.
Adverb of reason is used to infer result on the basis of earlier stated reasons. It is generally used to derive conclusion.
I think he was not feeling well. He, therefore, left college.
No doubt that she was aware of her defeat. Hence, she withdrew her nomination.
8. Adverb of contrast– Though, although, even though, etc.
Adverb of contrast is used to emphasis contrast between two statement. Adverbs of contrast are placed at the beginning of sentence.
Although he was poor, he donated $1000 dollars in charity.
Describing correct use of adverb one by one
Hereon, as a part of describing correct use of adverb, I’m going to describe master adverbs like adverbs of time, adverbs of place, adverbs of degree, etc.
a) Correct use of Adverb of time
Adverbs of time such as today, yesterday, early, already are used to describe time of performed action in sentence. Adverb of time is the most important type of adverbs.
Role and Importance of adverbs of time
“Adverbs of time” is used to describe or express a specific time in which action is happened. Simply, time’s adverbs indicate time of action in the sentence
Examples of adverbs of time
- Today, Tomorrow, Yesterday,
- Now, Late, Later, Soon, Early
- Yet, Still, Already
- Ago, Daily, For, Since, etc.
- Position of adverbs of time
- At the beginning
- In the middle
- In the end
Usually, in case of more than one adverbs, adverbs of time are placed at the end of the sentence.
However, these adverbs can be placed even at the beginning but not always.
- We haven’t seen that tiger again
- You are too late now
- He has planned to watch live telecast of World Cup final tomorrow.
In these examples, comma isn’t necessary. Comma is essential whenever the adverbs of time is used at the beginning, to separate rest of the sentence.
- Today, she will finish her job.
- Tomorrow, I will be ready.
Here, comma is placed to separate adverbs of time from rest of the sentence.
Some exceptions for position in sentence
Sometimes, there are some adverbs of time which are neither placed at the beginning nor at the end but in the middle of the sentence.
Usages of adverbs in the middle
- Later, Yet, Still
- For, Since, etc.
Examples of adverb of time
- We will discuss it later — at the end.
- Later, I will explain you in detail — at the beginning.
- Teacher later instructed to the students — in the middle.
“Yet” adverb of time is used in the perfect present tense for negative expression.
- G-8 members haven’t reached at the final conclusion yet – at the end.
- We have yet to receive the order- in the middle.
Apart from this, “still” is used for things in continuation or continuously happening.
Whereas, “since” and for are used to express duration of time.
- I am still practicing my handwriting.
- Here, the process is still continue.
“Still” is also used to express contrasts between two incidents in the form of adversative conjunction.
- They have been waiting for two hours.
“For” describes the duration of action.
- He has been learning since last month.
“Since” indicates the point of time of action.
Adverbs of place describe the specific aspects of place or location in which action is performed or happened. Unlike the adverbs of time, adverbs of place is used to modify or qualify action verbs.
b) Describing correct use of adverbs of place with examples
First of all, take a look at the following examples of adverbs of place.
- Above, Below,
- Up, Down,
- Far, Near Away,
- Within, Without,
- In, Out,
- Here There, Anywhere, Across,
- East, West, North, South,(directions) Everywhere, Nowhere, etc.
Role and importance of adverbs of place
These adverbs are used to describe the position, directions, and distance of the action, performed in the given sentence.
Currently, cyclone is moving northward. He is walking in the garden.River flows across the floodplain.
Position of adverbs of place in sentence
We can use variety of forms of adverbs of place like – words, phrases, and adverbial clauses.
Adverbs of place have different rules for position in the given sentence.
Generally, these adverbs are used before the adverbs of time when both are used in the same sentence.
In case of direct object, it is placed immediately after the object, otherwise, without object, placed after the main verbs.
Simple examples of adverb of place
- He is swimming across the river.
- I can drive my car in the central zone.
In the first example, “across the river” is an adverbial phrase used to describe the location of swimming. It immediately follows the verb because of there is no object.
However, in the second example, adverbial phrase is following the direct object of the sentence.
What does adverbial phrase mean?
So far, we have learnt earlier that adverbial prepositional phrase can be used as adverbial complement.
Here as well, adverbial complements are termed as adverbial phrase and functions like adverbs of time.
Examples – in the ground, across the grassland, out of the stadium, etc.
Like adverbs of time, adverbs of place are also used at the beginning of the sentence with comma.
- In the Himalayan region, the incidents of cloudburst are increasing since a decade.
- In this district, government is planning to build first expressway.
Examples of adverbs of place showing directions or movements
- East, west, north ,south (directions)
- Up down, forward, downward, directions + wards (movements)
Clearly, there is no fixed boundary to restrict the ambit of the use of adverbs of place. Nevertheless, with constant practice, the mastery can be achieved.
Adverbs of manner answer the “how” question in sentence. It is used to describe the manner of performed action. These adverbs of manner are formed by adding – ly suffix at the end of the adjectives.
c) Describing correct use of adverb of manner
First of all, take a look at the following examples.
Examples of adverbs of manner
- Brilliantly,
- slowly,
- Wonderfully,
- Beautifully,
- Bravely,
- Secretly,
- Clearly,
- Technically, etc.
- He is technically sound player.
In this example, technically adverb is modifying the adjective – sound.
- She walks regularly in the morning.
Here, regularly adverb is modifying the verb – walks.
- They are walking so slowly and definitely, they would be late.
In this example, “slowly” adverb is modifying the adverb – so.
All the three examples show how the adverbs of manner modify the adjectives, verbs, and adverbs in the sentence.
Position of adverb of manner in the sentence
In terms of position of adverbs of manner, they are placed or follow immediately after main verbs.
But, whenever these adverbs are used along the other adverbs in the same sentence, then, in such sentences, these adverbs are placed earlier than the adverbs of place and time.
- He drives the ball strongly.
Here, “strongly” is placed immediately after the direct object as it is transitive sentence.
But, in case of intransitive sentence, such adverbs are generally placed immediately after the main verbs.
- She writes quickly on the white board.
In this example, adverb “quickly” is placed immediately after the main verbs as it is intransitive sentences.
Besides, these adverbs are also used before the adverbs of place as well.
They carelessly in the first hour.This sentence shows that such adverbs are always placed before the adverb of time.
Single – word, adverbial phrase, and adverbial clauses are also used as adverbs in sentences to modify respective words.
Position of adverb of manner in transitive and intransitive sentences
In the transitive sentences, adverbs of manner is placed immediately after the direct object.
However, in case of intransitive sentences, these adverbs are placed or follow the main verbs.
- You are progressing steadily.
1.It follows the main verb.
- He is writing his paper hurriedly.
2.It follows the direct object.
- She has taken that decision hastily.
3.It follows the direct object.
These are some useful examples showing the position of adverbs in the transitive and intransitive sentences.
Furthermore, like other adverbs, these are placed at the beginning of the sentence with comma to qualify the sentence. Now, you might have got the answer for how to use adverbs of manner.
Adverbs of degree are used to answer “How far?” or “How much?” questions while qualifying or modifying verbs or adjectives in the sentence.
d) Describing correct use of adverbs of degree
These adverbs of degree express or indicate the degree, intensity, quantity or extent of action performed in the sentence.
Like other adverbs, these adverbs are also used to modify and qualify verbs, adverbs, and adjectives.
Examples of adverbs of degree
- It is extremely difficult to live in the Antarctica region.
- Mont Blanc pens are pretty expensive.
- I am very enthusiastic to visit national park.
- To control the ongoing loss of biodiversity is too difficult for the conserving agencies.
- You are completely free to take decision.
Here, extremely, pretty, very, too, and completely are used as the adverbs of degree.
Some Other examples:
- Really, Little, Enough,
- Much, Too, Partly,
- So, Utterly, Fully,
- Completely,
- Slightly, Extremely,
- Absolutely, Unusually
There are two types of adverbs of degree
- Grading adverbs
- Non-grading adverbs.
Grading adverbs are used to describe mild, medium, and strong degree. Whereas, other non-grading adverbs are preferred for absolute degree.
- I’m really enjoying the game.
In this example, adverb “really” is used for strong degree. Hence, we call it grading adverb.
- You are absolutely right.
“Absolutely” adverb is used to describe the absolute degree. So, it is called the non-grading adverb.
- They are quite certain about positive result.
It is used for strong degree and called grading adverb.
- He will undoubtedly win the match.
It is non-grading adverb as it describes the absolute state.
- This summer is unusually hot compare to last.
- The recipe was very sweet.
Both are grading adverb.
Water in the pot is fully boiling.It is non-grading adverb.
- Though she is slightly nervous, she will definitely come.
This is an example of both grading and non-grading adverbs.
In the first subordinating clause, grading adverb is used. Whereas, in the second main clause, non-grading adverb is used.
- The storm has completely destroyed the standing crops.
This is an example of non-grading adverb.
- The attempts to control rising temperature look utterly futile.
It is non-grading adverb.
- Reducing weight within short period of time seems fairly difficult.
It is both grading and non-grading adverb.
Position of adverb of degree in the sentence
The adverbs of degree are always placed before the verbs, adverbs, and adjectives in the sentence.
Sometimes, these adverbs are placed at the beginning of the sentence with comma to qualify the sentence.
Definitely, he will win this competition. Undoubtedly, one day we will be the victim of climate change.
In both examples, these are used to qualify the sentence. But, these adverbs are also called transition words.
e) Describing correct use of adverb of Mitigators and intensifiers
Both Mitigators and intensifying adverbs are the subsets of adverbs of degree. These words are also called adverbials when used at the end of the sentence. Basically, Mitigators are used to moderate the intensity; whereas, intensifiers increase the strength of words they qualify…
Meaning of Mitigators and intensifying adverbs
These are certain adverbs used either to moderate or increase the intensity of adjectives and adverbs in the given sentence. Mitigators often reduce the intensity; whereas, intensifying adverbs play the role of intensifies. They can be placed anywhere between at the beginning or end of the sentence.
Simple examples of Mitigators
- Slightly,
- Fairly
- Rather,
- A bit
- A little,
Mitigators are commonly used to moderate the intensity of adverbs and adjectives in the give sentence.
Examples of Mitigators in the sentence:–
- Today, the sky is slightly overcast.
- Our last tour was pretty good.
- The performance of his party is fairly nice, but not as per expectations of leaders.
- It is a nice bat, but a little expensive.
- He isn’t enthusiastic but rather boring.
- The picnic was a bit boring.
- Today, it is slightly humid and moist.
In all the examples, mitigators–
- slightly,
- pretty,
- fairly,
- a little,
- rather, and
- a bit
are used to moderate the meanings of overcast, good, nice, expensive, boring, and humid respectively.
In the simple words, Mitigators are useful in moderating the extremity of other adverbs, as well as adjectives.
Use and examples of intensifying adverbs
As I mentioned earlier that Mitigators are used to moderate the extremity of adverbs and adjectives; whereas, intensifiers are preferred to increase the strength of adverbs and adjectives.
Examples of intensifiers
- Exceptionally,
- Extremely
- Really,
- Remarkably
- Incredibly,
- Very, etc.
Similar to Mitigators, intensifiers are also used to modify adverbs and adjectives only whenever they are used in the sentence.
Examples of intensifiers in the sentence:-
- The sky is very dark and cloudy.
- His attempt was exceptionally good.
- The Taj Mahal is incredibly attractive.
- All the teammates played remarkably well to win the game.
- This summer is extremely hot and dry.
- The picnic was really enjoying.
- The temperature is extremely humid and hot.
Herein also, all the examples of intensifiers
- very,
- exceptionally,
- incredibly,
- remarkably,
- extremely,
- really,
are used to increase the power and strength of respective adjectives and adverbs.
Importance of Mitigators and intensifying adverbs. Clearly, both are opposite of each other in the use and meaning.
Therefore, both complement each other in making moderate and extreme meaning of given words in the sentences.
The importance of both Mitigators and intensifying adverbs in the presentation is inevitable as both enrich the meaning of adverbs and adjectives as per the demand of situation.
This is all about the Describing correct use of adverb in sentence.
However and nevertheless conjunctions
Describing functions of Preposition
Describing subject verb agreement
Subordinating conjunctions of time
“But and Yet” Contrasting conjunctions