Adverbs at a glance
careful -> carefully
Read the rule, inspect the example, then check yourself.
Overview
Adverbs explain how, when, where, how often, or how much something happens.
Many adverbs end in -ly
Many adverbs of manner are formed from adjectives with -ly.
- careful -> carefully
- quick -> quickly
Main Rules
Adverbs can modify different parts of a sentence.
Modify verbs
An adverb can describe how an action happens.
- She speaks clearly.
Modify adjectives or adverbs
Very, quite, really, too, and enough often change degree.
- very useful
- quite slowly
- clear enough
Patterns
Adverb position depends on the type of adverb.
Adverb positions
| Type | Common position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| manner | after the verb or object | She answered clearly. |
| frequency | before the main verb | He often reviews notes. |
| time | start or end | Yesterday, we studied articles. |
| degree | before adjective/adverb | This is very helpful. |
Examples
A sentence can contain more than one adverb.
I usually study grammar in the evening.
Usually shows frequency.
She explained the rule slowly and clearly.
Slowly and clearly describe how she explained.
The answer is completely correct.
Completely modifies the adjective correct.
Common Mistakes
Some adjectives and adverbs look similar, but their jobs are different.
She speaks English good.
She speaks English well.
Use well as the adverb for performance.
I hard know him.
I hardly know him.
Hardly means almost not; hard means with effort.