What is an Adverb? Your Comprehensive Guide to Adverbs

In the realm of English grammar, adverbs stand out as essential modifiers, adding depth and detail to our sentences. An adverb is a word that serves to modify or describe a verb, providing more context to the action. But their role extends beyond just verbs; adverbs can also enhance adjectives, other adverbs, and even entire sentences, painting a richer picture with words.

For instance, consider how adverbs transform simple sentences: “He sings” becomes “He sings loudly,” injecting vibrancy into the action. Similarly, “tall” evolves into “very tall,” amplifying the description. Even adverbs themselves can be nuanced, as in “ended too quickly,” where “too” intensifies “quickly.” And sometimes, an adverb sets the stage for the entire sentence, like “Fortunately, I had brought an umbrella,” offering a perspective on the whole situation.

Adverbs are the words that answer questions about actions and descriptions: how, when, where, to what extent, or how often. They specify the manner, time, place, frequency, or degree of an action or characteristic. While many adverbs are easily identifiable by their -ly ending, it’s important to note that some, like fast, share their form with adjectives.

Understanding adverbs is crucial for effective communication. They allow for comparison, like “more quickly” or “most quickly,” and their placement in a sentence is key to clarity, ideally positioned close to the words they modify to avoid ambiguity. However, skillful writing also involves knowing when to exercise restraint. Overusing adverbs can dilute the strength of verbs and adjectives, making it essential to choose strong words in the first place.

Adverbs are indeed versatile tools that enrich sentences, but knowing their proper use is key. Let’s delve into the rules and examples that define adverbs, exploring their correct application and when it’s best to let stronger verbs or adjectives take center stage.

Table of contents

Adverb Definition
Adverbs and Verbs
Adverbs and Adjectives
Adverbs and Other Adverbs
Adverbs and Sentences
Adverbs and Degrees of Comparison
Placement of Adverbs
Common Adverb Mistakes to Avoid
Adverb FAQs

Adverb Definition

Adverbs are defined as words that modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or sentences, providing critical details about how, where, when, to what extent, or how often something occurs. They are the sentence enhancers that add layers of meaning and precision to our language.

A common characteristic of adverbs is the -ly suffix, but this isn’t a universal rule. Many adverbs exist without this ending, functioning just as effectively.

Consider these examples to illustrate the breadth of adverb usage:

• Tom Longboat did not run badly. (Modifies the verb “run,” describing the manner of running)

• Tom is very tall. (Modifies the adjective “tall,” indicating the degree of tallness)

• The race finished too quickly. (Modifies the adverb “quickly,” intensifying the speed)

• Fortunately, Lucy recorded Tom’s win. (Modifies the entire sentence, expressing a viewpoint on the event)

Flat Adverbs

An interesting category is flat adverbs, also known as plain adverbs. These are adverbs that surprisingly maintain the same form as their adjective counterparts. Think of words like safe, fast, hard, slow, easy, and bright. These words don’t change form to become adverbs; they function as adverbs in their original state.

Examples of flat adverbs in action:

• We’ll have to drive fast to get there in time. (Modifies the verb “drive,” indicating the speed of driving)

• Learning languages has always come easy to Kit. (Modifies the verb “come,” describing the manner of learning)

It’s worth noting that some flat adverbs have alternate forms that do adopt the -ly suffix—pairs like safe/safely, slow/slowly, and bright/brightly. In these cases, both forms are generally acceptable as adverbs, offering flexibility in word choice.

• The moon is shining bright [or brightly] tonight. (Both forms modify “shining,” describing the intensity of light)

• Drive safe [or safely]. (Both forms modify “drive,” advising on the manner of driving)

A table showing showing the definition of an adverb with common adverbs that describe how, when, where, how much, and how often.

Alt text: Definition of Adverb: A word that modifies a verb, adjective, adverb, or sentence, illustrated in a table with categories: How? (manner), When? (time), Where? (place), How much? (degree), How often? (frequency), each with example adverbs like quickly, soon, here, very, and always.

How Adverbs Modify Parts of Speech and Sentences

To fully grasp the function of adverbs, let’s break down how they interact with different parts of speech and sentences:

• Modifying Verbs: Adverbs describe the action of a verb by specifying manner, time, place, or extent.

  • Example: She runs quickly. (Modifies “runs,” describing the manner of running)

• Modifying Adjectives: Adverbs intensify or add degree to adjectives, enhancing their descriptive power.

  • Example: The lake is incredibly beautiful. (Modifies “beautiful,” increasing the degree of beauty)

• Modifying Other Adverbs: Adverbs can clarify or intensify other adverbs, adding layers of detail to the modification.

  • Example: She sings very beautifully. (The adverb “very” modifies the adverb “beautifully,” intensifying the manner of singing)

• Modifying Sentences: Sentence adverbs express the speaker’s attitude or provide a general perspective on the entire statement.

  • Example: Fortunately, we arrived on time. (The adverb “fortunately” modifies the whole sentence, expressing a positive viewpoint on the arrival)

Adverbs and Verbs

Adverbs are most frequently used to modify verbs. They enrich verbs by detailing the action, typically specifying the manner, time, place, frequency, or degree of the action. Understanding these categories provides a structured approach to using adverbs effectively with verbs.

Manner

Adverbs of manner are concerned with how an action is performed. They paint a picture of the way in which something is done.

Consider these examples that illustrate different manners of action:

• Huan sings loudly in the shower. (Describes how Huan sings)

• My cat waits impatiently for his food. (Describes how the cat waits)

• I will seriously consider your suggestion. (Describes how the consideration will be done)

Time

Adverbs of time specify when an action takes place. They can indicate a point in time, duration, or frequency related to the verb.

Examples of adverbs of time in sentences:

• We arrived at the theater and got in line early. (Indicates when we arrived)

• Mara is confident that, eventually, her training will pay off. (Indicates when the payoff will happen)

Some adverbs of time focus on duration, answering the question of how long an action lasts.

• The weather will be cold and windy indefinitely. (Indicates how long the weather condition will persist)

Place

Adverbs of place tell us where an action occurs. They provide spatial context to the verb, indicating location or direction.

Examples of adverbs of place:

• Turn in there, at the next left. (Indicates where to turn)

• Let’s go inside and ask how much they want for that guitar. (Indicates where we should go)

• The others hiked to the peak while she waited below. (Indicates where she waited in relation to the others)

Frequency

Adverbs of frequency specify how often an action is performed. They range from actions that occur always to those that happen rarely or never.

Examples showcasing frequency adverbs:

• I used to go dancing regularly, but now I go only occasionally. (Contrasts two frequencies of dancing)

• Farid prefers to be paid monthly rather than weekly. (Compares two payment frequencies)

• Jun always eats lunch at the same time. (Indicates a constant frequency of eating lunch)

Degree

Adverbs of degree answer the question of to what extent an action is performed. They indicate the intensity or level of the verb’s action.

Examples of adverbs of degree:

• Have you fully read the instruction manual? (Asks about the extent of reading)

• It seems we’ve barely scratched the surface of this subject. (Indicates a minimal extent of progress)

• The company is owned entirely by its workers. (Indicates the complete extent of ownership)

Adverbs and Adjectives

Adverbs also play a significant role in modifying adjectives. When adverbs modify adjectives, they typically precede the adjective in a sentence. Their function is to add detail about the quality described by the adjective, often relating to the degree, manner, or frequency of that quality.

This modification adds nuance and precision to descriptive language.

Manner

When an adverb of manner modifies an adjective, it provides insight into how the adjective applies to the noun it describes. It shapes the way we understand the quality being expressed.

Consider how manner adverbs change the perception of the same adjective in these examples:

• The pilot’s voice sounded reassuringly quiet. (The manner of quietness is reassuring)

• The pilot’s voice sounded alarmingly quiet. (The manner of quietness is alarming)

The adjective “quiet” is modified in two different ways, creating contrasting impressions of the pilot’s voice.

Degree

An adverb of degree modifying an adjective communicates the intensity or extent to which the adjective’s quality is present. It can express a level of quality, either in isolation or in comparison.

Examples of degree adverbs enhancing adjectives:

• The lake looks quite calm this morning. (Indicates a moderate degree of calmness)

• This book is more interesting than the last one. (Compares the degree of interest)

• The slightly late arrival of our food didn’t put a damper on our evening. (Indicates a minor degree of lateness)

Frequency

Adverbs of frequency, when modifying adjectives, answer how often an adjective’s description holds true for the noun it modifies. This usage is less common but effectively adds a temporal dimension to the adjective.

Examples of frequency adverbs with adjectives:

• That cat is always happy to be having its dinner. (Indicates a constant frequency of happiness)

• My rarely serious brother had a somber expression for once. (Indicates an infrequent state of seriousness)

Adverbs and Other Adverbs

Adverbs have the unique ability to modify not just verbs and adjectives, but also other adverbs. Similar to modifying adjectives, when an adverb modifies another adverb, it adds a layer of detail to the original adverb’s modification. Often, these modifying adverbs convey degree, answering the question of to what extent or how intensely the primary adverb applies.

This creates a nuanced and layered description, adding complexity to adverbial phrases.

In the following examples, notice how the first adverb intensifies or qualifies the second:

• The weather report is almost always right. (The adverb “almost” modifies “always,” lessening the absoluteness of “always”)

• Farran cooks quite elaborately for guests. (The adverb “quite” modifies “elaborately,” softening the degree of elaboration)

Multiple Adverbs Together

Because of this modifying capability, it’s grammatically possible to string together multiple adverbs, each modifying the next in sequence. This can be effective for emphasizing intensity, particularly in informal or emotionally charged contexts, or when a specific tonal emphasis is desired.

Examples of multiple adverbs used in combination:

• I am so deeply, eternally indebted to everyone who has supported me. (Emphasizes the depth and permanence of indebtedness)

• Xavier felt their teammates were not quite sufficiently prepared after all. (Qualifies the sufficiency of preparation)

However, it’s crucial to use such constructions thoughtfully and sparingly. Overuse can lead to sentences that are ambiguous, indirect, weak, or simply awkward. Consider this example of potential adverb overuse:

• Huan sings rather enormously too loudly.

While grammatically constructed, this sentence becomes cluttered and less impactful than a more concise phrasing. Effective writing often favors stronger verbs and adjectives over a cascade of adverbs.

Adverbs and Sentences

Certain adverbs, known as sentence adverbs or conjunct adverbs, have the unique role of modifying entire sentences. Common examples include generally, fortunately, interestingly, naturally, hopefully, and accordingly.

Unlike other adverbs that modify specific words or phrases, sentence adverbs express the writer’s or speaker’s attitude, judgment, or perspective on the information presented in the entire sentence. They set a tone or provide a commentary on the statement as a whole.

Consider how sentence adverbs frame the meaning of the following sentences:

• Fortunately, we got there in time. (Expresses relief or positivity about the event)

• Surprisingly, no one at the auction seemed interested in bidding on the antique spoon collection. (Conveys astonishment at the lack of interest)

Sentence adverbs often serve rhetorical purposes, such as conveying certainty, doubt, or anticipation of counterarguments. They can signal the speaker’s stance on the assertion being made.

Examples of sentence adverbs expressing rhetorical nuances:

• Clearly, we have a lot more research to do on this subject. (Indicates certainty about the need for more research)

• Arguably, this was the best course of action available. (Suggests that the statement is open to argument but defensible)

• Admittedly, we haven’t yet located any primary sources. (Concedes a point that might weaken the overall argument)

Adverbs and Degrees of Comparison

Like adjectives, many adverbs can express degrees of comparison. These are typically adverbs that have corresponding adjectives, including many formed by adding -ly to an adjective. Understanding these degrees is essential for making comparisons effectively in writing and speech.

The three degrees of adverb comparison are the absolute (or positive), the comparative, and the superlative.

The Absolute

The absolute degree is the base form of the adverb. It expresses a quality of an action directly, without comparing it to anything else. It’s the adverb in its simplest, unmodified state.

Examples of adverbs in the absolute degree:

• He smiled warmly. (Describes a smile in a warm manner, without comparison)

• They asked me to deliver a hastily written note. (Describes the note as written in a hasty manner, without comparison)

The Comparative

The comparative degree is used to compare how two entities perform an action in terms of a specific quality expressed by an adverb. For adverbs ending in -ly, the comparative form is typically created by adding the word more before the adverb.

Examples of adverbs in the comparative degree:

• He smiled more warmly than the others. (Compares the warmth of his smile to others)

• This note is even more hastily written than the last one I delivered. (Compares the hastiness of writing between two notes)

The Superlative

The superlative degree is used to compare how three or more entities perform an action, again focusing on a specific adverbial quality. For -ly adverbs, the superlative is formed by adding most before the adverb.

Examples of adverbs in the superlative degree:

• He smiled most warmly of them all. (Compares his smile to all others in a group, identifying the warmest)

• This is the most hastily written note I have ever received. (Compares this note to all others received, identifying the most hastily written)

Flat Adverbs and Degrees of Comparison

For flat adverbs, the comparative and superlative forms often mirror those of their adjective counterparts. This means they usually take -er and -est endings, or are preceded by more and most, depending on the specific adverb.

Examples of comparative and superlative forms of flat adverbs:

• Could you bring that display closer so we can see it better? (Comparative of “close”)

• Of the land animals, the cheetah runs fastest. (Superlative of “fast”)

Placement of Adverbs

The placement of adverbs in a sentence is crucial for clarity and conveying the intended meaning. While English word order can be flexible, there are general guidelines and conventions to follow to ensure adverbs modify the correct words without causing ambiguity.

With Single-Word Verbs

The primary rule for adverbs modifying single-word verbs is proximity. Adverbs should be placed as close as possible to the verb they are intended to modify. For intransitive verbs (verbs that don’t take a direct object), adverbs most often precede the verb.

Example of adverb placement with an intransitive verb:

• Char looked excitedly at the pastries in the display case. (Adverb “excitedly” precedes the intransitive verb “looked”)

However, some adverbs, particularly adverbs of frequency, often fit more naturally between the subject and the intransitive verb.

Example of subject-adverb-verb placement:

• We always go cycling on summer Fridays. (Adverb “always” is placed between the subject “We” and the intransitive verb “go”)

With transitive verbs (verbs that take a direct object), the clearest placement for an adverb is usually after the direct object. Critically, an adverb should never separate a transitive verb from its direct object.

Example of adverb placement with a transitive verb and object:

• They decorated the hall elaborately for the dance party. (Adverb “elaborately” follows the object “hall”)

With Verb Phrases

When modifying verb phrases (combinations of auxiliary verbs and main verbs, like “is running,” “has been seen”), the most natural position for an adverb is typically in the middle of the phrase, usually after the first auxiliary verb.

Example of adverb placement within a verb phrase:

• We are quickly approaching the deadline. (Adverb “quickly” is placed within the verb phrase “are approaching”)

• Huan has always loved singing. (Adverb “always” is placed within the verb phrase “has loved”)

With Adjectives and Other Adverbs

When an adverb modifies an adjective or another adverb, it should be placed directly before the word it is modifying. This placement ensures that the modifying relationship is immediately clear.

Example of adverb placement modifying adjectives and adverbs:

• She learned her way around Berlin very quickly. (Adverb “very” modifies the adverb “quickly”)

With the Adverb Only

The adverb only is particularly sensitive to placement. Misplacing only can dramatically alter the sentence’s meaning. Careful attention to its position is essential.

Consider the significant difference in meaning caused by the placement of only in these sentences:

• Phillip only fed the cat. (This means Phillip did nothing else but feed the cat.)

• Phillip fed only the cat. (This means Phillip fed the cat, but not any other animal or person.)

The first sentence suggests limitation of action, while the second limits the object of the action. The meaning hinges entirely on where only is positioned.

Common Adverb Mistakes to Avoid

While adverbs are indispensable for nuanced expression, they are also prone to misuse. Knowing common pitfalls can significantly improve writing clarity and impact. It’s not about avoiding adverbs altogether, but using them judiciously and effectively.

Superfluous Adverbs

A frequent mistake is using adverbs when a stronger verb or adjective could convey the meaning more powerfully and concisely. Often, an adverb is used to compensate for a verb or adjective that isn’t quite strong enough.

Consider this example of adverb redundancy:

• The board forcefully took control away from the founder.

This sentence can be made more impactful by replacing the weaker verb and adverbs with a stronger verb:

• The board wrested control from the founder.

The verb “wrested” incorporates the meanings of “forcefully” and “took away,” making the sentence more direct and vigorous.

Intensifier Overuse

Degree adverbs that intensify, like very, really, extremely, and quite, are easily overused. Excessive use of intensifiers can weaken writing, making it sound insincere, hyperbolic, or simply less impactful.

Over-reliance on intensifiers can dilute the very intensity they are meant to add. Stronger verbs and adjectives often negate the need for these intensifiers.

Sentence Adverb Pitfalls

Sentence adverbs like clearly, obviously, certainly, and inarguably should be used with care, especially in persuasive or academic writing. While they are meant to underscore a point, overuse can have the opposite effect. If what follows isn’t truly beyond question, these adverbs can weaken a claim rather than strengthen it.

Similarly, the sentence adverb hopefully has a history of controversy. While now widely accepted, some readers may still find it distracting or informal in formal writing.

Adverbs with Linking Verbs

Linking verbs, such as feel, smell, sound, seem, and appear, connect the subject to a descriptive adjective, not an adverb. A common error is using an adverb after a linking verb when an adjective is required to describe the subject’s state or quality.

A common example of confusion with linking verbs:

• Paz feels badly about what happened. (Incorrect – “badly” is an adverb)

• Paz feels bad about what happened. (Correct – “bad” is an adjective describing Paz’s feeling)

After linking verbs, adjectives are used to describe the subject.

Misplacement

As discussed in placement rules, misplacing an adverb can lead to awkward sentences or, more seriously, alter the intended meaning. Ambiguity often arises from incorrect adverb placement.

Consider this sentence with misplaced almost:

• I almost dropped all the papers I was holding.

The ambiguity here is whether the writer nearly dropped all papers (but recovered) or dropped most of them but not all. To clarify, reposition the adverb or choose a less ambiguous one.

For the first meaning (nearly dropped but recovered):

• I nearly dropped all the papers I was holding. (Using “nearly” is less ambiguous)

For the second meaning (dropped most, not all):

• I dropped almost all the papers I was holding. (Placing “almost” before “all” clarifies the meaning)

Correct placement is essential to avoid miscommunication.

Adverb FAQs

To solidify your understanding of adverbs, let’s address some frequently asked questions.

What are adverbs used for?

Adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or entire sentences. They provide extra information about manner, time, place, degree, frequency, or reason of an action or description. They are the detail-enhancers of sentences.

How can you identify adverbs?

Identify adverbs by looking for words that answer questions like how, when, where, to what extent, or why. Many adverbs end in -ly, but not all. Context within the sentence is key to identification.

What are some common examples of adverbs?

Common adverbs include:

• Degree/Intensity: really, very
• Manner: well, badly, quickly, slowly
• Time: today, yesterday, everyday, soon, later
• Frequency: sometimes, often, rarely, always, never
• Time (relative): early, late
• Place: here, there, everywhere, inside, outside, above, below

Where do adverbs go in sentences?

Generally, place adverbs as close as possible to the word they modify to ensure clarity. Before adjectives (“very tall”), after verbs (“sings loudly“), or within verb phrases (“are quickly approaching”). Placement can vary based on the type of adverb and the word it modifies.

When should you avoid adverbs?

Avoid unnecessary or redundant adverbs. Opt for stronger verbs or adjectives that inherently convey the intended meaning. Overuse of adverbs can dilute the strength and clarity of your writing. Use them strategically to enhance, not to compensate for weak word choices.