Adverb – Definition & Types

Adverb: adverb is a word/a set of words that modifies verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. It tells when, where, and how an action is performed or indicates the quality or degree of the action. adverbs end in -ly but some words which end in -ly (such as friendly) are not adverbs.

Example:

• John always wants to play.
• She loves him very much.
• He runs very fast.
• Mary works hard.

Conjunctive adverb: connects phrases or independent clauses. It provides transitions between ideas and shows relationships. Conjunctive adverbs are also called connectors.

Example:

• we are trained last night. Nonetheless, the final match has lost.
• You are not fit, however, I am assigning you to work.
• Last season there were good players consequently, we failed to win.

Sentence adverb: starts the sentence and modifies the whole sentence.

Example:

• Hopefully, it will not rain today.
• Apparently, we are winning this match.
• Certainly, I did not work for him.

Adverbs of time/frequency: indicate time or frequency of the action in the sentence. They answer the question ‘when/how frequently is the action performed?’.

Always, never, often, eventually, now, frequently, occasionally, once, forever, seldom, before, Sunday, Monday, 10 AM, 12 PM, etc. are common adverbs of time/frequency.

Example:

• He went to school a little late yesterday.
• She always scores good marks.
• He will return on Monday.
• He drinks occasionally.

Adverbs of place/direction: that indicate place/direction of the action in the sentence. They answer the question ‘ where is the action performed?’.

Across, over, under, in, out, through, backward, there, around, here, sideways, upstairs, in the park, in the field, in that place, etc. are some common adverbs of place/direction.

Example:

• He has gone through the jungle.
• she plays in the field.
• John is going to school.

Adverbs of Degree (How Much?): Adverbs that express the importance/degree/level of the action in the sentence are called adverbs of degree. They answer the question ‘how much is the action performed?’.

Completely, nearly, entirely, less, mildly, most, thoroughly, somewhat, excessively, much, etc. are common adverbs of degree.

Example:

• She completely narrated the story.
• I watch the movie thoroughly.
• I am so excited about the holiday trip.

Adverbs of Manner (How?): Adverbs that express the manner/approach/process of the action in the sentence are called adverbs of manner. They answer the question ‘how is the action performed?’.

Beautifully, equally, thankfully, carefully, handily, quickly, coldly, hotly, resentfully, earnestly, nicely, tirelessly, etc. are common adverbs of manner. These adverbs usually end in ly.

Example:

• Let’s divide fruits equally.
• Please, handle the glass vases carefully.
• John walks slowly.
• Mary running is fast.