Types of Adverbs
- Adverb of Time
It describes when for how long something happens and answers the question ‘when’ through words like soon, early, late, now, before, still, yet, later, tomorrow, etc. In an interrogative sense, when and how long function as the adverb of time.
Examples:
- The show will resume soon.
- We are preparing for dinner now.
- How long had you been hiding in the bushes?
- When did you arrive?
- Adverb of Place
Describe the direction, distance, movement, or position involved in the action of a verb and thus answers the question ‘where’ through the words like here, there, everywhere, north, south, forward, downward, behind, etc. In an interrogative sense, where functions as adverb of place.
Examples:
- The boat was moving downstream.
- Where are you going?
- They say that God is present everywhere.
- Adverb of Manner
It describes how something happens or someone does something. It actually answers the question ‘how’ or in ‘what manner’ through words like beautifully, wonderfully, smartly, badly, bravely, etc. In an interrogative sense, how functions as adverb of manner. Usually, the adverb of manners are formed from adjectives.
Examples:
- The lion moved slowly towards its prey.
- How did she behave in the party?
- Maya behaved badly in the get together.
- Adverb of Degree or Quantity
It describes the degree or extent of the verb, adjective, or adverb they are modifying. It answers the question ‘how far’ through words like very, quite, almost, fairly, truly, pretty, somewhat, etc. In an interrogative sense, how far and how much function as adverb of degree or quantity.
Examples:
- You are pretty close to the correct answer.
- How far do you think they can go with this attitude?
- It took us quite a long time to reach the destination.
- Adverb of Frequency (or Number)
It describes how frequently or how often something happens. Words like always usually, twice, firstly, daily, monthly, etc. are adverbs of frequency.
Examples:
- Twice did I land up in jail.
- Preeti rarely skips her meals.
- I am usually awake by 7 o’ clock in the morning.
- Adverb of Reason
It describes ‘why’ something happens or is the case. Words like therefore, thus, hence, consequently, etc. are adverbs of reason.
Example:
- Pratima has never behaved so oddly. We must therefore conclude that something is wrong.
- Adverb of Focus and Viewpoint
I is used to focus on a particular word or phrase, such as also, exclusively, just, mostly, notably, primarily, especially.
Examples:
- Priya gets gifts for all, even for her distant cousins.
- Primarily, the research focuses on human behavior in adverse circumstances.
- I don’t like kids, especially the cranky ones.
- Adverb of Viewpoint
It is used to express that a particular idea is being looked at from a certain point of view, or to specify what aspect of something is being talked about. Words like personally, in my point of view, according to you, scientifically, biologically, etc., are adverbs of viewpoint.
Examples:
- Logically speaking, completing this task within the given time frame is next to impossible.
- According to Parth the ship should have sunk by now.
- Adverb of Affirmation
Expresses what the speaker knows about the truth of the statement. Words like perhaps, certainly, undoubtedly, clearly, allegedly, etc. are adverbs of affirmation.
Example:
- You have certainly fallen prey to greed.
- Adverb of Negation
It is used to modify the meaning of a verb, adjective or another adverb in a negative way with words such as not, hardly, barely, never, seldom.
Example:
- I do not work on holidays.
- Relative Adverbs
It joins two clauses by relating itself to a noun and indicates time, place, reason or manner.
Examples:
- I know the house where he lives.
- I don’t know the time when the function begins.
- I don’t know why he left the room.