Since adjectives are more common compared to adverbs, this article will focus on explaining the concept of adverbs. It will answer the most basic questions like:
Question 1: What is an Adverb?
An adverb is a part of speech used to describe a verb, adjective, clause, or another adverb. It simply tells the readers how, where, when, or the degree at which something was done.
Examples:
The italicized word is an adverb that describes nicely, which is another adverb.
The adverb in this sentence is completely, which describes the adjective lifeless.
Surprisingly is the adverb in this sentence. It modifies the clause that comes right after it.
Even though all of the sample sentences above have one-word adverbs, adverbs are not limited to a single word. Sometimes, adverbs come in phrases. Take a look at the example below.
At 4 a.m., a stray cat jumped into the open window.
The italicized part is a prepositional phrase with an adverbial function. It tells when the event occurred.
Question 2: What are the Different Kinds of Adverbs?
Aside from answering the main question “What is an adverb?” it is also important to explore the different kinds of this part of speech. Basically, there are four kinds of adverbs:
This kind of adverb describes the manner by which something was done or something happened. Adverbs of manner answer the question “How?”
Examples:
The italicized adverb describes the verb “measured.”
Gracefully modifies the verb “walks.”
Adverbs of place simply answer the question “Where?” Here are some examples:
The adverb away answers the question, “Where did Heisenberg look?”
The adverb nearby answers the question, “Where did they build the huge toy factory?”
You will notice based on these examples that adverbs of place can be placed right after the verb or after the object of the verb.
Aside from answering when an event occurred, adverbs of time also answer questions like, “How long?” and “How often?”
Examples:
For a year tells how long something happened (how long Syndra lived in Germany).
The adverb tomorrow indicates when something will be done.
This kind of adverb indicates the degree at which something will be done. It tells something about the intensity.
Examples:
Hard enough is an adverb pertaining to the verb, “try.”
Extremely describes the adjective, “high.”
Question 3: What are the Most Important Tips for Using Adverbs?
Sometimes, students know what adverbs are but don’t know how to use them properly. So here are the most useful tips that you should keep in mind:
Example (from above):
The students measured accurately the volume of the chemicals. (wrong)
The students measured the volume of the chemicals accurately. (correct)
The first sentence is wrong because the adverb is located somewhere between “measured” (verb) and “volume” (object of the verb).
Examples: most often; more frequently
Examples:
Instead of walk heavily –> trudge
Instead of ate hurriedly –> gobbled
Final Thoughts
After providing simplified answers to questions like “What is an adverb?” and “What are the different kinds of adverbs?” this article will surely help you understand the concept better. However, how you apply this knowledge and make use of it to your advantage still depends on you. Keep on reading and practicing your writing in order to hone your grammar skills.
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