ADVERBS

An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Adverb tells how, when, or where, or to what extent an action happens.

Examples:

HOW: The man walked quickly.

WHEN: It will rain soon.

WHERE: We shall meet here at 2 p.m.

TO WHAT EXTENT: He is extremely rude.

Other Examples:

HOW, WHEN, WHERE, TO WHAT EXTENT

Happily sometimes underground fully secretly later here extremely together tomorrow there quite carefully now inside very sorrowfully finally far rarely painfully again upstairs fast often downstairs hard once somewhere slowly first forward hurriedly next behind quietly then above Adverbs used to describe verbs Adverbs that describe verbs tell how, when, where and to what extent an action happened.

Examples: HOW: John waited patiently for his turn.

WHEN: He is now walking into the office.

WHERE: He will eat his lunch there.

TO WHAT EXTENT: He is very pleased with himself.

Adverbs make the meaning of the verb clearer.

Example:

He will eat his lunch. (Without adverb)

He will eat his lunch there. (The adverb makes it clear where the action of eating will take place.)

Exercise

Write the adverbs in the following sentences and then indicate whether the adverb tells how, when, where, or to what extent.

1. The tourist travelled far.
2. They cheerfully greeted their grandmother.
3. Tina hurried downstairs when she heard the knock.
4. He worked carefully and skillfully.
5. She was extremely agitated.
6. The scientist looked curiously at the creature.
7. Soon the bell was rung.
8. The hall was fully occupied.
9. They hugged their grandmother adorably.
10. He brought the cake down.

Adverbs used to describe adjectives Adverbs that tell to what extent can be used to describe adjectives.

Examples: The cave was very dark.

Adv. Adj:  The tea was extremely hot.

Adv adj: Other adverbs used with adjectives just nearly somewhat most These adverbs make the adjectives they are describing more understandable and precise.

Example: The tomb was dark. (Without adverb)

The tomb was fully dark. (The adverb fully describes the extent of the darkness).

Exercise 2 Identify the adverb in each of the following sentences and then indicate the adjective it describes.

1. He is a highly successful businessman.
2. The extremely cold weather made me shiver.
3. They are quite difficult to deal with.
4. The house is barely visible from here.
5. He is a very old man by now.
6. She is mysteriously secretive about her activities.
7. Jackline is horribly mean with her money.
8. The book was totally exciting.
9. The secretary was completely mad when the money was stolen.
10. The boss is never punctual for meetings.

Adverbs used to describe other adverbs Some adverbs that tell to what extent are used to describe other adverbs.

Examples: The student spoke very softly.

Adv adv: The cold subsided very gradually.

adv adv: These adverbs make the adverbs they are describing more understandable and clear.

Examples: She spoke rudely. (Without adjective modifier)

She spoke extremely rudely. (Extremely describes the extent of her rudeness).

Exercise 3 Identify the adverbs modifying other adverbs in the following sentences.

1. The mourners covered the casket with earth very gradually.
2. He appeared on her surprisingly quickly.
3. The sun appeared somewhat closer that day.
4. He drinks extremely irresponsibly.
5. The driver sped the car totally carelessly.