Adding Detail with Adverbs
In this episode, we’ll learn about adverbs. Adverbs are words that give us more information about verbs (actions), adjectives (descriptions), or other adverbs. They tell us how, when, where, or to what extent something happens.
- What is an Adverb?
Adverbs add detail to our sentences. They can tell us:
- How: quickly, slowly, carefully, loudly
- When: yesterday, today, tomorrow, now, soon
- Where: here, there, everywhere, inside, outside
- To what extent (how much): very, quite, really, too, almost
Examples in Sentences:
- The dog runs quickly. (How the dog runs)
- I will go tomorrow. (When I will go)
- The cat is sitting here. (Where the cat is sitting)
- She is very happy. (How happy she is)
- Adverbs of Manner (How?)
Many adverbs tell us how something is done. These are called adverbs of manner. Many of these adverbs end in “-ly.”
- Examples: quickly, slowly, carefully, loudly, happily, sadly
Examples in Sentences:
- He speaks slowly.
- She sings beautifully.
- They walked quietly.
Important Note about “-ly”: Not all words ending in “-ly” are adverbs. For example, “friendly” is an adjective.
- Adverbs of Time (When?)
Adverbs of time tell us when something happens.
- Examples: yesterday, today, tomorrow, now, soon, later, before, after
Examples in Sentences:
- I went to the store yesterday.
- We will eat dinner soon.
- She arrived later.
- Adverbs of Place (Where?)
Adverbs of place tell us where something happens.
- Examples: here, there, everywhere, inside, outside, upstairs, downstairs, nearby
Examples in Sentences:
- The book is here.
- They played outside.
- She lives nearby.
- Adverbs of Degree (How Much?)
Adverbs of degree tell us to what extent or how much something happens.
- Examples: very, quite, really, too, almost, completely, hardly
Examples in Sentences:
- She is very tired.
- He is almost finished.
- I hardly know him.
What We Skipped (For Now):
- Conjunctive adverbs, sentence adverbs, adverb clauses, and adverb phrases: These are more complex concepts.
Why are Adverbs Important?
Adverbs make our writing and speaking more vivid and descriptive. They help us give more specific information about actions and descriptions.
Other Useful Links
| Introduction to English Grammar | Noun | Pronoun | Adjectives | Verbs | Adverb | Preposition | Conjunction | Interjection | Articles | Phrases | Clause | Modal Verbs | Tenses | Passive Voice |