Adverb Definition
There are eight categories of words that we can use in a sentence. They are categorized based on their roles in a sentence. This is not something new. Just think about it, and you will remember that I am talking about parts of speech. An adverb is also one of them.
Definition
An adverb is a word that is
used to modify or add something to the meaning of a verb, adjective, another
adverb, or a complete sentence.
- John speaks politely.
The word “politely” is an adverb. It plays its role in this sentence. Just omit the adverb and compare the sentences. John speaks. There is a great difference in the meaning of the two sentences. The sentence with the adverb gives a clearer sense than the other one. It is just because of the adverb.
Types of Adverbs with
Definitions and Examples
Manner Adverb Definition
An adverb of manner is a
word that we use to modify a verb by telling the manner of the verb. An adverb
of manner adds something to the meaning of a verb and tells us how it happens.
- Lisa did well this year, so she got the promotion.
The adverb “well” adds to
the meaning of the verb “did” that she performed in a satisfactory manner.
Frequency Adverb Definition
An adverb of frequency is a
word that we use to tell the number of occurrences of an action.
- She always brushes her teeth when she goes to bed.
The adverb “always” tells
us the number of occurrences of the action “brushes” in this sentence. It adds
that she repeats the action of brushing her teeth every night.
Time Adverb Definition
An adverb of time is a word
that modifies a verb by adding information about the time of the verb.
- I will meet him tomorrow.
The word “tomorrow” is an
adverb in this sentence. It modifies the verb “meet”. It adds information about
the time of the verb “meet”.
Place Adverb Definition
An adverb of place is a
word that modifies a verb by giving more information related to the place where
an action is performed.
- Do you remember the place where we went last week? We will meet there.
The word “there” is an
adverb of place. It modifies the verb “meet” by adding information related to
the place of the meeting.
Degree Adverb Definition
An adverb of degree is a
word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb by telling the level or degree of the verb, adjective, or the other adverb.
- Lisa will fully support him.
The adverb “fully” modifies
the verb “support” in this sentence. It tells us the level or degree of the
verb. It tells us how much Lisa will support him.
Conjunctive Adverb Definition
A conjunctive adverb is a
word that connects phrases, independent clauses, or ideas.
- I was busy; therefore, I did not attend the party.
In this example, the word
“therefore” is an adverb that connects the two independent clauses.
Placement of Adverbs
Placement of Adverbs of Manner
- Before the main verb
- After the object
- At the end
- At the beginning
- After intransitive verbs
- Between a verb and preposition
Placement of Adverbs of Frequency
- Before the main verb
- After the verb "be"
- At the beginning or end
- Before used to and have to
- Between the auxiliary verb and the main verb
- Before the main verb in interrogative and negative sentences
Placement of Adverbs of Time
- At the end
- At the beginning
- After the subject
- Before the main verb
- Between the auxiliary verb and main verb
Placement of Adverbs of Place
- At the end
- At the beginning
- After the main verb
- After the object
Placement of Adverbs of Degree
- Before the main verb
- After the verb "be"
- Before the adjective or another adverb
- Between the auxiliary verb and main verb
Placement of Conjunctive Adverbs
- At the beginning
- At the end
- In the middle
- Between the subject and main verb
Examples of Adverbs
- Lisa courageously presented her topic.
- My favorite author is Betty Schrampfer Azar because she explains everything simply.
- Yesterday, she reminded me of the meeting.
- They are doing their English homework now.
- Lisa is not absent; I just saw her here.
- The newcomers should go up and attend the orientation session.
- Good people always speak honestly.
- Sometimes, it is a good idea to sit alone and relax.
Frequently Asked Questions on Adverb Definition
Can we use double adverbs consecutively in a sentence?
Yes, you can use double
adverbs consecutively in a sentence, but you cannot use double adverbs of the
same type consecutively. Remember that you can use adverbs of manner in some
contexts.
- She reached home very late.
- She answered courageously, cautiously, and correctly.
Can we use multiple adverbs in a Sentence?
Of course, you can use
multiple adverbs in a sentence.
- I have always offered my services honestly.
- She courageously presented her report yesterday.
Why do we use adverbs?
We use adverbs to modify
verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or complete sentences. Adverbs are modifiers
that give more information about the words mentioned above.
- She has arrived recently.
- I entered the room cautiously.
What are the functions of adverbs?
The functions of adverbs
include modification of verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or complete
sentences. Connecting ideas is also one of the functions of adverbs.
- They left urgently.
- The water is too cold to drink.
- I have practiced, so I can run very fast.
- Unfortunately, I lost my mobile data.
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