Revised as of
5 Mar 2023
Adverbs are getting dumped on these days. “Everyone” is condemning those adverbs that end in -ly (well, and the rest), saying writers should be more creative in their writing. That they shouldn’t need to write slowly or quietly or, ahem, quickly, lol . . . you get the picture.
Admittedly there are a few adverbs that are abused to hell and gone. Really. There truly are very many adverbs that are really, really overused.
That said, if you’re hurting for space, a more creative choice, ahem, can also get the idea across:
- Instead of The candles flickered intermittently in the darkened room, consider:
- The candles fluctuated in the darkened room.
- The candles guttered in the darkened room.
- The candles twinkled in the darkened room.
Each word choice provides a greater sense of the atmosphere while using fewer letters.
The Negatives of Using Adverbs
I kept hearing how a “good” writer should avoid using adverbs, and that’s as far as the point would go. Why not use adverbs? If God had intended that we NOT use adverbs, he wouldn’t have created them. Right? So I got curious and went exploring.
One contention is that using adverbs makes you a lazy writer. I can see their point about writers improving themselves and finding more creative ways to convey a concept to your readers, to do more of a show, rather than tell them what’s happening.
Tell versus Show
It seems that adverbs are very good at telling rather than showing. An adverb merely describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Sorenson’s example, “Charlotte smiled brightly” is a tell and doesn’t show us. It’s but the start to the show. Instead of using brightly, what if you described her face as she smiled?
| With Adverb | More Creative Choice |
|---|---|
| When I told the joke, Charlotte smiled brightly. | When I told the joke, Charlotte’s face lit up. |
| When I told the joke, Charlotte smiled wanly. | When I told the joke, only half of Charlotte’s mouth curved up. |
Both examples show us more than the original sentence.
Doubling Up
Pay attention when you’re repeating yourself, e.g., everybody tiptoes “quietly”. The quietly is implied. Equally, if someone is stomping across the room, it’s implied that they are moving noisily and or heavily. There’s no need to “repeat” what stomp already “says”. If you do feel that you need to “repeat”, maybe you’re using the wrong word.
The “Valuable Space” Complaint
This negative is primarily about your opening lines for your book or a call-to-action on your webpage. There’s only so far down the page a reader will read, and you have to make every word count. The claim is that “adverbs fill that valuable real estate with often redundant and pointless wording”.
Of course, your alternate word choice can be longer as well. Instead of Mary walked hurriedly, you may decide that Mary sped ahead like a hungry hyena spotting an antelope (Henneke“).
Go back and look at Charlotte smiling or how those candles create an anticipation in the reader. Now look your own manuscript over. Use that Find/Replace to hunt for the adverbs and consider how you could strengthen them. What would make it more interesting and show the reader what’s going on?
Annnddd, this doesn’t mean you must avoid all adverbs . . .
Those Confusing Modifiers
There’s another problem with those adverbs; too many writers confusing what adverbs or adjectives are supposed to be modifying. Adverbs modify adjectives, adverbs, verbs, etc. Adjectives modify nouns.
Words Into Type has a useful example:
| He feels poorly. | He’s coming down with the flu. |
| He feels poor. | Money is a problem. |
| It tastes |
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| Millions of Americans listened, breathless, to the broadcasts. | They were so excited. |
| Millions of breathless Americans listened to the broadcasts. | They couldn’t breathe. |
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Legend:
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Grammar Explanations is . . .
. . . an evolving list of the structural rules and principles that determines where words are placed in phrases or sentences as well as how the language is spoken. Sometimes I run across an example that helps explain better or another “also known as”. Heck, there’s always a better way to explain it, so if it makes quicker and/or better sense, I would appreciate suggestions and comments from anyone on an area of grammar with which you struggle or on which you can contribute more understanding.
If you found this post on “Adverbs” interesting, consider subscribing to KD Did It, if you’d like to track this post for future updates.
| Adverb | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Definition: A modifier that provides a greater description to a verb, adjective, another adverb, a phrase, a clause, or a sentence (Adverb).
Adverbs and adverbials add information to:
By CategoriesAlphabetical
List of Adverbs
Positioning Adverbs Adverb Agreement TYPES OF ADVERBS:
ADVERBIAL:
Adjunctive Adverb Agreement, adverb of Amplifier, adverbial Attitude, adverb of Certainty, adverb of Degree, adverb of Clause, adverbial Comparative and Superlative Adverb Conjunctive Adverb Degree, adverb of Disjunctive Adverb Direction, adverb of Direction, adverbial of Distance,adverb of Distance, adverbial of Downtoner, adverbial Emphasizer, adverbial Essential Adverb Clause Focusing, adverb of Frequency, adverb of Genitive, adverbial Intensifier, adverbial Interrogative Adverb List of Adverbs Location, adverb of Location, adverbial of Manner, adverb of Manner, adverbial of Modal Adverb Negative, adverb of Nonessential Adverb Clause Phrase, adverbial Phrase, infinitive adverb Phrase, prepositional adverb Place, adverb of Positioning Adverb Possibility Premodifier Probability Purpose, adverb of Quantity, adverb of Relative Adverb Sentence Adverb Submodifier Time, adverb of Viewpoint, adverb of A.k.a. adverbial modifier Return to top |
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| Rule: There are no hard-and-fast rules which words are adverbs, about how the reader perceives the verb. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adverbs / Adverbials | Adjectives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Adverb – describes/modifies an adjective, adverb, or verb
It will never modify a noun; that’s the adjective’s job. Adverbial – part of a sentence which performs a certain function, but not necessarily an adverb (Nordquist) |
Adjective – describes a noun
An adjective will never modify an adverb. |
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| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| He ran really fast. | He ran |
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| The 8:45 a.m. train arrived early.
“Early” describes when the train arrived, modifying the verb. |
The early train arrives at 8:45 a.m.
“Early” describes the noun, the train. |
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| The quarterback threw the football hard.
How did he throw the football? Hard, modifying “throw”. |
The quarterback threw a hard pass to the receiver.
What kind of pass was it? Hard, modifying the noun. |
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| She played extremely well.
The verb is “played” and how did she play? “Extremely well”, an emphasizer adverb modifying another adverb: “extremely” and “well”. |
That woman is extremely nice.
How nice is she? “Extremely” is an adverb modifying “nice”, which is an adjective modifying “woman”, the noun. Legend:
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| Partial List of Adverbs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Also see the list of conjunctive adverbs. |
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Cautions: Pay attention to the following problem areas with adverbs (Burckmyer, 47):
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| Comparative | Superlative | Definition: Shows a degree of comparison between two people, places, or things. | Definition: Compares three or more people, places, or things. It indicates that the action performed is to the greatest or least degree within a group or of its kind. They are sometimes preceded by the word the but not always. |
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| Rule: Add -er to create a one syllable comparative adverb. | Rule: Add -est to create a one syllable superlative adverb. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| better faster greater |
harder smoother thicker |
best fastest greatest |
hardest smoothest thickest |
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| Rule: More than one syllable adverbs use less or more to create a comparative adverb | Rule: More than one syllable adverbs use least or most to create a superlative adverb | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| more carefully less slowly more boldly |
most carefully least slowly most boldly |
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| Rule: There are irregular adverbs as well; this is English after all. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Base Adverb | Comparative Adverb | Superlative Adverb | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| badly | worse | worst | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| early | earlier | earliest | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| far | farther, further | farthest, furthest | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| little | less | least | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| much | more | most | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| well | better | best | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The goat can see better than you think.
better – comparative of well |
The goat can see the best of the three.
best – superlative of well |
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| Try to paint the edges more carefully; it will save time later.
more carefully – comparative of carefully |
Jeez, Tom painted the edges the least carefully.
least carefully – superlative of carefully |
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| He tries harder than most, but he has no aptitude for languages.
harder – comparative of hard |
Because he tries the hardest of them all, he does the best.
hardest – superlative of hard; |
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| The engine operates less efficiently with alcohol.
less efficiently – comparative of efficiently Return to top or post contents |
The engine operates the least efficiently with water.
least efficiently – superlative of efficiently |
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| Expressing Equality or Sameness, a.k.a. the as . . . as rule | Rule: Use the as . . . as construction to create adverbs that express equality or sameness. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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He runs as slow as his cousin.
She paints as well as her mother. One company’s customer service is as bad as the other’s. |
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| Positioning Adverbs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Huh, What? | How About . . . | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| These flowers only bloom for a day.
Makes it sound like the flowers just bloom. They don’t do anything else. |
These flowers bloom only for a day.
These flowers bloom for one day only. |
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| She was only a woman with one goal in mind: med school.
Excuse me? Only a woman? |
She was a woman with only one goal in mind: med school.
She has one thing she intends to do in her life. |
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| Marie offered only to pick him up on Fridays.
She’s only offering chauffeur service. She’s not going to bring his lunch or do any errands. |
Marie offered to pick him up on Fridays only.
She’s only offering to get him on Fridays. |
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| I almost swam 15 miles when I was training for the Iron Man.
Poor guy just didn’t feel like swimming that day. |
I swam almost 15 miles . . .
He didn’t quite swim 15 miles, only *eye roll* 14+. |
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| What are you still doing here?
Well, if you want to be offensive . . . |
Why are you still here?
Aren’t you ever going home? Legend:
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| Positioning Provides Finer Shades of Meaning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Sentence | What It’s Saying | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I just want you to eat the crackers in the opened box. | That’s all I want you to do, just eat the damned crackers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I want just you to eat the crackers in the opened box. | Don’t offer any to anyone else. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I want you to eat just the crackers in the opened box. | Don’t eat crackers from unopened boxes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I learned that rock superstar Kurt Cobain had died on CBS. | Yup, right there on TV. They musta’ been interviewing him or somethin’. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I learned on CBS that rock superstar Kurt Cobain had died. | Makes a difference, doesn’t it? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| They economically competed with each other. | They were careful in how they spent the money. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| They competed economically with each other.
Credit to: Credit to: Michael Brady |
They were business rivals. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| There was no water I could safely drink. | Ick, must have been some nasty water around. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| There was no water I could drink safely.
Credit to: Michael Brady |
Maybe the person was driving . . .
Legend:
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| Royal Order of Adverbs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Capital Community College Foundation (CCC; <http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/adverbs.htm>) refers to a “royal order”, a basic order, in which “adverbs will appear when there is more than one adverb”:
Subject-Predicate + Manner + Place + Frequency + Time + Purpose It is unusual to use more than two or three adverbs in a row. Consider, instead, if one or two of those adverbs can be moved to the beginning or end of the sentence. |
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| Short Comes Before Long | Principle: Shorter adverbial phrases come before longer adverbial phrases, no matter the content (Capital Community College Foundation). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Marie takes a quick swim before breakfast every morning in the summer.
In the usual “royal order”, frequency would come before time, but the frequency adverbial phrase is longer. Legend:
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| More Specific Comes First | Principle: More specific adverbial phrases [in the royal order] come first. (Capital Community College Foundation). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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My grandmother was born in a sod house on the plains of northern Nebraska.
“In a sod house” is more location-specific than “on the plains”. Helen said yes to a date for next Friday. Helen is quite specific about going out with this person, at some time next Friday. Legend:
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| Moving Modifier to the Front | Principle: Moving an adverbial modifier to the start of the sentence places a particular emphasis on that modifier. An especially useful technique with adverbs of manner (Capital Community College Foundation). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Slowly, ever so carefully, Jesse filled the coffee cup to the brim.
Occasionally, but only occasionally, the paper boy gets the paper up on the porch. Legend:
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| Adverb Agreement | Rule: Pay attention to whether your nouns are singular or plural, as the adverb must also be singular or plural.
For more complete information on words and phrases used with countable and uncountable nouns, see Quantifier. |
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Partial List of Adverbs to Use with . . . | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Countable Nouns | Uncountable Nouns | Degree | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| a lot enough few fewer lots many, more not enough too few too many |
a lot enough lots much, more not enough too little too much |
a little a little bit enough not very pretty quite rather so too very |
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| Types of Adverbs are: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjunctive Adverb | Definition: Adverb or adverbial phrase that expresses a writer’s or speaker’s attitude to the content of the sentence in which it occurs or places the sentence in a particular context.
A.k.a. adjunct |
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Rule: Fits neatly into the flow of a sentence. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partial List of Adjunctive Adverbs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| frankly obviously |
politically | technically too |
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| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.
Politically speaking, he’s too hot to handle. Well, technically, you’re not supposed to work on those computers. Legend:
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| Adverb of Attitude | Definition: Expresses the writer’s attitude toward the state or action described in the sentence. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Rule: Usually refers to the entire clause or sentence and not just a particular word or phrase.
Adverbs of attitude may also function as adverbs of manner. |
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| Partial List of Adverbs of Attitude | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| clearly fortunately frankly hopefully |
luckily obviously sadly |
unfortunately unluckily |
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| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frankly, I don’t think we’ll win.
I don’t think we’ll win, frankly. He obviously doesn’t want to come. She’s clearly the best person for the job. Clearly, it’s a question of choice. Legend:
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| Adverb of Certainty | Definition: Expresses how certain we feel about an action or event.
Credit to: Certainty |
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Rule: The adverb of certainty goes before the main verb unless . . .
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| Partial List of Adverbs of Certainty | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| certainly definitely |
probably | surely undoubtedly |
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| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mark definitely left his lunch behind again.
Surely he won’t talk about this? She certainly doesn’t understand the first thing about this! It surely is time to go. Legend:
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| Conjunctive Adverb | Definition: A function word that connects two independent clauses.
A.k.a. adverbial conjunction, conjunct, connecting adverb, transitional devices |
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Rule: The ideas need not exist in the same sentence. See the rules on how and when to punctuate a sentence using adverbs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partial List of Conjunctive Adverbs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| after all after a while afterward again all in all also although altogether and then and yet as a result as an illustration as has been said as long as at last at length at that time at the same time before before that besides briefly but at the same time by contrast certainly concurrently consequently despite that earlier equally important even even so even though eventually finally for all that for example for instance |
formerly further furthermore granted hence however* in a word in addition in brief in conclusion in contrast indeed* in fact in other words in particular in short in simpler terms in spite of instead in summary in the first place in the past in the same way it is true last lately later likewise meanwhile momentarily moreover namely naturally nevertheless next nonetheless notwithstanding |
now nowadays of course on the contrary on the other hand on the whole otherwise presently previously really regardless shortly similarly simultaneously since so far soon specifically still subsequently that is then thereafter therefore though thus to illustrate too to put it differently to summarize truly until until now when yet |
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Includes:
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| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| If they start smoking those awful cigars, then I’m not staying.
We’ve told the landlord about this ceiling again and again, and yet he’s done nothing to fix it. Jose has spent years preparing for this event; nevertheless, he’s the most nervous person here. I love this school; however, I don’t think I can afford the tuition. Legend:
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| Adverb of Degree | Definition: Tells the strength or weakness of something and is usually placed before the adjective, adverb, or verb that they modify, although there are some exceptions.
There are five types of adverbs of degree: A.k.a. adverb of extent, adverbial intensifier Credit to: Degree |
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Partial List of Adverbs of Degree | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| almost enough extremely |
just quite |
too very |
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| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The water was extremely cold.
The movie is quite interesting. He was just leaving. She has almost finished. She is running very fast. You are walkingtoo slowly. You are running fast enough. Legend:
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| Enough | Rule: When using enough as an adverb, it’s defined as to the necessary degree. Place it after the adjective or adverb that it is modifying, and not before it as other adverbs do. It can be used both in positive and negative sentences. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Is your coffee hot enough?
This box isn’t big enough. He didn’t work hard enough. I got here early enough. |
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| Rule: Enough is often followed by to + the infinitive. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| He didn’t work hard enough to pass the exam.
Is your coffee hot enough to drink? She’s not old enough to get married. I got here early enough to sign up. Legend:
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| Rule: Enough can also be followed by for someone or for something. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The dress was big enough for me.
She’s not experienced enough for this job. Is the coffee hot enough for you? He didn’t work hard enough for a promotion. |
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| Rule: Enough as a determiner meaning as much/many as necessary goes before the noun it modifies. It is used with countable nouns in the plural and with uncountable nouns. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We have enough bread.
You have enough children. They don’t have enough food. I don’t have enough apples. |
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| Too | Rule: Too has two distinct meanings, each with its own usage patterns: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Rule: When too is used to mean also, it always goes to the end of the phrase it modifies. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I would like to go swimming too, if you will let me come.
Can I go to the zoo too? Is this gift for me too? I’m not going to clean your room too! |
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| Rule: When too is used to mean excessively, it goes before the adjective or adverb it modifies. It can be used in both affirmative and negative sentences. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This coffee is too hot.
He works too hard. Isn’t she too young? I am not too short! |
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| Rule: Too is often followed by to + the infinitive. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The coffee was too hot to drink.
You’re too young to have grandchildren! I am not too tired to go out tonight. Don’t you work too hard to have any free time? |
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| Rule: Too can also be followed by for someone or for something. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The coffee was too hot for me.
The dress was too small for her. He’s not too old for this job. Sally’s not too slow for our team. |
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| Very | Rule: When very goes in front of an adverb or adjective, it makes it stronger.
CAUTION: It’s also one of those adverbs that editors hate! |
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The girl was very beautiful.
The house is very expensive. He worked very quickly. She runs very fast. |
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Rule: Make an adjective or adverb negative by:
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| Other Adverbs Used Like Very | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expresses Very Strong Feelings | Expresses Strong Feelings | Expresses Somewhat Doubtful Feelings | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The movie was amazingly interesting. | The movie was particularly interesting. | The movie was fairly interesting. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| She sang wonderfully well. | She sang unusually well. | She sang pretty well. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| The lecture was terribly boring. | The lecture was quite boring. | The lecture was rather boring. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Too versus Very | Rule: There is a big difference in meaning between too and very.
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He speaks very quickly.
He speaks too quickly for me to understand. It is very hot outside. It is too hot outside to go for a walk. |
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| Amplifier | Definition: Words that enlarge the meaning of the word | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Partial List of Amplifier Adverbs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| absolutely completely heartily |
so totally |
undoubtedly well |
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| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| That dress is absolutely amazing on you.
That movie completely scared the pants off me. The New England Patriots played so well at the Superbowl. |
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| Downtoner | Definition: Words that play down, tone down, or downtone the actions of verbs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Partial List of Downtoner Adverbs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| all but kind of mildly |
not so much simply |
sort of to some extent |
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| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| She all but swallowed that sundae in one bite.
The weather was mildly warm. It was, you know, kind of okay. |
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| Emphasizer | Definition: Words that make the verb stronger. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Partial List of Emphasizer Adverbs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| certainly for sure |
literally obviously |
really simply |
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| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I didn’t mean you should literally crack the case.
I would really like a chocolate milkshake. Tackling Mt. Everest would certainly be a challenging climb. |
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| Premodifier | Definition: Words that appear before a verb and changes its emphasis. They may also modify or change the meaning of an adverb. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Partial List of Premodifier Adverbs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| all the quite |
rather | very | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The hypnotherapy session went quite well, I thought.
The wheel turned very slowly at first. The Ferrari moved rather quickly. |
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| Submodifier | Definition: Used in front of an adjective or another adverb to modify its meaning.
NOTE: It cannot be used to modify a verb. |
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| Examples: | The weather had turned very cold.
Wow, it was an unusually large house. Now that is very unusual. She was quite extraordinarily evil. |
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| Disjunctive Adverb | Definition: Makes a comment on the meaning of the rest of the sentence.
CAUTION: Does not fit into the flow of the clause and is often set off by a comma or set off with commas. A.k.a. disjunct, sentence adverb, sentence modifier, adverbial disjunct |
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Rule: Modifies the verb or the entire clause. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partial List of Disjunctive Adverbs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| frankly | seriously | surprisingly | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frankly, Martha, I don’t give a hoot.
Fortunately, no one was hurt. |
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| Adverb of Focus | Definition: Concentrates the attention on what is being said or highlights specific information. It tends to limit the sense of the sentence or act as an additive. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CAUTION: The meaning of these adverbs will depend upon the context in which they’re used as each has their own special features and grammatical requirements. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partial List of Adverbs of Focus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Highlights Specific Information | Restricts | Refers to Other parts of the Text | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| especially even particularly |
just merely only |
also either . . . or too |
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| She received an A just for coming to class
She won a blue ribbon in addition to taking the Best of Show award. Legend:
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| Adverb of Frequency | Definition: How often something is done or happens: indicates routine or repeat activities.
When used as an adverb of definite frequency, it describes daily, weekly, or yearly activities. |
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Rule: An adverb of frequency goes:
Credit to: Ade |
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| Partial List of Adverbs of Frequency | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| again almost always bimonthly biweekly ever frequently generally |
hardly ever monthly nearly nearly always never normally now and again occasionally |
often rarely seldom sometimes twice usually weekly |
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| He never takes out the garbage.
We are never late for work. She’s always nagging the poor guy. He was always tired in the evening. We go to the cinema a lot. We go to the cinema a lot at the weekend. Have you ever been there? How often do you go to the cinema? We don’t go out much. I have an English lesson twice a week. She goes to see her mother every day. Legend:
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| Adverb of Indefinite Frequency | Definition: Doesn’t specify an exact time frame.
Rule: Primarily use in the: |
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List of Adverbs of Indefinite Frequency | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| hardly ever infrequently |
occasionally * rarely ** |
seldom ** sometimes * |
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| Sometimes he takes the bus.
Our family seldom eats together. She rarely goes out to eat, as she prefers to cook at home. |
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| Interrogative Adverb | Definition: Adverb that asks the questions: how, when, where, why | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Why are you so late?
How are you doing? When will you get here? |
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| Adverb of Manner | Definition: How something is done or happens. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Rule: When the adverb modifies a(n):
Credit to: Ade |
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| Partial List of Adverbs of Manner | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| badly cautiously closely extraordinarily fast fortunately |
happily hard illegally properly purposely quickly |
regretfully sadly silently slowly |
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| He ran as quickly as possible.
She can speak French like a native. She spoke easily and moved smoothly. He drove quickly. She worked purposefully. She was happily engaged in unwrapping her presents. Fortunately, he was only pretending to be mad.I can see him quite clearly. I would like to speak to you frankly. Legend:
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| Adverbial (Phrase) of Manner | Definition: An adverb phrase that says how something happens or how something is done.
Credit to: Ade |
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He was driving as fast as possible.
He would always talk with a nationalistic tone. He sings in a low register. Legend:
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| Rule: Using like with a link verb makes it an adverbial. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Her hands felt like ice.
It smells like fresh bread. She slept like a baby. He ran like a rabbit. “People who say they sleep like a baby usually don’t have one.” – Leo J. Burke Legend:
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| Modal Adverb | Definition: Describes or gives information, sometimes noting or pertaining to mood, about adverbs, adjectives, and verbs.
Most modal adverbs have an equivalent modal noun. Credit to: 3.14
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For more modal adverbs, explore “English Modal Adverbs at Wiktionary.org. |
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Legend:
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| Negative Adverb | Definition: Creates a negative meaning in a sentence without the use of the usual no, not, neither, nor, or never constructions.
A.k.a. negator |
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CAUTION: Be careful that a double negative is not created when using negative adverbs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partial List of Negatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Negative Adverb | Negative Verb | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| barely ever hardly little neither never no |
nor not not only nowhere rarely scarcely seldom |
can’t couldn’t doesn’t don’t isn’t shouldn’t wasn’t won’t wouldn’t |
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| He comes over so seldom these days.
I’m worried about Dana. She hardly eats anything since she got to high school. Rarely can anyone stay awake through Empire. Legend:
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| Inverted Negative Adverb | Definition: In a sentence, the subject usually comes before the verb, AND some negative adverbs can cause an inversion when placed at the beginning of the clause, reversing the order with the verb going in front of the subject. CAUTION: This inversion is only used in writing, not in speaking. Credit to: Degree |
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Legend:
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| Adverb of Place | Definition: Where something is done or happens or expresses movement in a particular direction
Rule: Use it after the verb, after the object, or at the end of a sentence. |
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Partial List of Adverbs of Place | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * Adverbs, that may be prepositions as well, always modify a verb. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| above * abroad anywhere around * backward(s) behind * below * down * downhill downstairs |
everywhere here homeward(s) in * indoors nowhere off * on * outside * over * over there |
sideways somewhere there under * uphill upstairs upward(s) upwardly westward(s) |
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| They have lived on a houseboat for the past six years.
I don’t agree with you there. Nope, been there, done that. Let’s stop here and look at the antiques. The sailor went below deck. She went back to the jewelry counter. Legend:
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| Adverbial (Phrase) of Place | Definition: An adverb phrase that says where something happens. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I saw him there.
We met in London. “I used to work in a fire-hydrant factory. You couldn’t park anywhere near the place.” – Steven Wright “Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back, and instead of bleeding, he sings.” – Ed Gardner The cat was under the table. I met him at the railway station. Legend:
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| Adverb of Direction | Definition: An adverb that talks about the direction, where someone or something is moving.
Credit to: Place |
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Partial List of Adverbs of Direction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| abroad away anywhere downstairs downwards |
everywhere here indoors inside nowhere |
outdoors outside somewhere there underneath upstairs |
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| The car door is very small so it’s difficult to get into.
I would love to see Paris. I’ve never been there. The bedroom is upstairs. It was so cold that we stayed indoors. Legend:
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| Adverbial (Phrase) of Direction | Definition: An adverb phrase that talks about the direction, where someone or something is moving. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Partial List of Adverbials of Direction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| across along back back to down |
into onto out of past |
through to towards |
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| Walk past the bank and keep going to the end of the street.
She ran out of the house. Legend:
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| Adverb of Distance | Definition: An adverb that shows how far things are. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Chicago is 408 miles from Minneapolis.
We were in Chicago. Minneapolis was 408 miles away. Legend:
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| Adverbial (Phrase) of Distance | Definition: An adverb phrase that shows how far things are.
Credit to: Ade |
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Birmingham is 250 kilometres away from London.
Legend:
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| Adverb of Location | Definition: Tells where someone or something is.
Credit to: Location |
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Partial List of Adverbs of Location | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| abroad around away downstairs here |
home indoors nearby |
outdoors overseas round there upstairs |
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| Did you see anybody there?
We have one bedroom downstairs. Don’t leave things lying around. Legend:
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| Adverbial (Phrase) of Location | Definition: An adverb phrase that where someone or something is. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of Adverbial Phrases for Location | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| at the back of at the bottom of at the end of |
at the front of in the middle of next door |
on top of out of doors |
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| Children love to play out of doors.
My cousin’s house is right at the bottom of the hill. It’s got a wonderful view of the city. To get to the station, you need to turn left at the end of this street. You see the white line in the middle of the road? That means you can’t overtake here. We arrived really early so we could be right at the front of the queue for tickets. The ship lay at the bottom of the sea for more than 200 years. “Where are the changing rooms?” “They’re at the back of the shop.” Legend:
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| Adverb of Probability | Definition: Shows how certain we are about something and are usually placed in front of the main verb, but come after the verb to be.
A.k.a. adverb of possibility Rule: Maybe and perhaps usually come at the beginning of the clause. Credit to: McCarthy |
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Partial List of Adverbs of Probability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * Usually comes at the beginning of the clause. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| certainly clearly definitely |
maybe * obviously perhaps * |
possibly probably |
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| Will they definitely be there?
We will possibly come to England next year. Perhaps the weather will be fine. Maybe it won’t rain. Maybe she’ll get here sooner. |
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| Rule: Use certainly, clearly, definitely, or obviously to show that we are almost sure that something will happen. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We will definitely be there tomorrow.
She is certainly coming to the party. It is clearly going to be wonderful weather tomorrow. They are obviously late. They are definitely at home. She was obviously very surprised. |
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| Rule: Use maybe, perhaps, possibly, or probably to show that we are less sure about something. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| That is possibly the worst film I’ve ever seen.
I’ll probably go out tonight. |
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| Adverb of Purpose | Definition: Expresses the reason for an action or its purpose or the level or extent that something is done or happens: the action’s intensity, how much it is, or modifies the quality or character of the adjective.
To put it simpler, it answers the question why. A.k.a. adverbs of reasons |
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Rule: Should is the only auxiliary verb that can go after lest. Use modal auxiliary verbs — can or may — after so that and in order that. Be careful NOT to use rather with absolute words. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partial List of Adverbs of Purpose | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| accidentally almost because enough consequently excessively extremely |
hence in case in order that in order to intentionally just lest much nearly on account of purposely quite |
rather * really since so so as not to so as to so that that therefore thus to too very |
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Legend:
He talks too much. He talks really well. He is very chatty. It was raining too hard to go out. Watch it! You nearly hit that dog! She drives her car slowly, so she’s always late. He’s still feeling very tired after running that 25k. |
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| Adverb of Quantity | Definition: Expresses how much or how many of something you have. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Rule: Used with countable or noncountable nouns.
In addition, some adverbs are best used with negative sentences, others are best with positive sentences, and some can be used in both. |
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Legend:
I don’t get a lot of action these days. I got a lot of presents this year. Helen knows a little about gardening. I haven’t been getting much done lately. |
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| Adverb of Time | Definition: Tells when something is done or happens.
Rule: Use it at the beginning or end of a sentence; if used at the beginning, it acts as an emphasis. |
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Partial List of Adverbs of Time | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| afterwards already always before continually currently early |
immediately just last [month/day/week]next [month/day/week]now presently recently |
since soon that [month/day/week]then tomorrow yesterday |
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I hope she gets here before the party starts.
Mary Louise, get in here right now. Henry left early to catch his train. Georgie ate all his Halloween candy first. Legend:
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| Adverbial (Phrase) of Time | Definition: An adverb phrase that says when or how often something happens.
Credit to: Ade |
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They start work at six thirty.
They have been living in this house for over twenty years. I’ll do it in a minute. After the game, the king and pawn go into the same box. “Do not wait for the last judgment. It takes place every day.” – Albert Camus She was born in 1978. There was a storm during the night. We waited all day. They have lived here since 2004. We will be on holiday from July 1st until August 3rd. Legend:
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| Noun Phrases as Time Adverbials | Definition: Holds a position normally occupied by the verb’s direct object, yet they act as an adverb to modify the verb with an aspect of time, distance, weight, age, or monetary value. They also modify certain adjectives.
A.k.a. adverbial objective Credit to: Adverbial |
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List of Noun Phrases for Time Adverbials | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| last Saturday last week/month/year next Friday next week/month/year one day/week/month |
the day after tomorrow the other day/week/month today tomorrow |
the day before yesterday this week/month/year yesterday |
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Legend:
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| Rule: Certain adjectives, such as worth and due, are able to take nouns or noun phrases as complements when they are in a predicative position. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This coat is only worth a dollar.
I think Mary is due an apology. |
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| Prepositions as Time Adverbials | Rule: Prepositions are frequently used with phrases, creating time adverbials:
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| Already | Rule: Used by:
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The car is OK. I’ve already fixed it.
It was early but they were already sleeping. We are already late. It was early but we were already tired. Legend:
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| How Long | Rule: How long something takes can be said using:
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We have been waiting for twenty minutes.
They lived in Manchester for fifteen years. I have worked here since December. They had been watching since seven o’clock in the morning. They stayed with us from Monday to Friday. We will be on holiday from the sixteenth until the twentieth. |
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| How Often | See Adverbs of Frequency | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Still | Rule: Used by:
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The children still enjoyed playing games.
They are still living next door. We will still be on holiday. Her grandfather is still alive. They were still unhappy. Legend:
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| Time and Date | Rule:
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| I saw Jim about three weeks ago.
We arrived a few minutes ago. We usually eat at seven o’clock. The movie starts at fifteen hundred hours. We were at breakfast then. Let’s meet at teatime. Paul and George are planning to tackle it at the weekend. It was at Christmas when the house blew up. Helen plans to start cleaning the garden in the spring. Pollution only increased in the twentieth century. Valentine’s Day is in February. Can we start this in the morning? Mikey gets to choose what we eat for dinner on his birthday. The family always gets together for a picnic on the Fourth of July. When there is no moon it is very dark at night. He woke up twice in the night. We will meet next week at six o’clock on Monday. I heard a funny noise at about eleven o’clock last night. It happened last week at seven o’clock on Monday night. Legend:
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| Yet | Rule: Coming at the end of a sentence, yet is used in a negative or interrogative clause, usually with perfective aspect (especially in British English), to show that something has not happened by a particular time. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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It was late, but they hadn’t arrived yet.
Have you fixed the car yet? She won’t have sent the email yet. |
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| Adverb of Viewpoint | Definition: Does NOT tell how an action occurs. What viewpoint adverbs do is tells us about a speaker’s viewpoint, their opinion about an action, or make a comment on the action. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Commenting and viewpoint adverbs modify entire clauses rather than single verbs, adverbs, or adjectives with no real distinction between commenting adverbs and viewpoint adverbs, except in their sentence placement (Viewpoint).
Rule: Viewpoint or commenting adverbs are mostly placed at the beginning of a sentence, before the main verb, and rarely at the end of a sentence:
You may also want to explore sentence adverbs below. |
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| Partial List of Adverbs of Viewpoint | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| bravely carelessly certainly clearly cleverly confidentially definitely disappointingly foolishly fortunately |
generously kindly luckily naturally obviously personally presumably seriously simply stupidly |
surely technically theoretically thoughtfully truthfully unbelievably undoubtedly unfortunately wisely |
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| Foolishly, they set out to see the Wizard.
They foolishly set out to see the Wizard. They set out to see the Wizard, foolishly. Obviously, I am reading. I am obviously reading. I am reading, obviously. Kindly, she gave the homeless man shelter. She kindly gave the homeless man shelter. She gave the homeless man shelter, kindly. Legend:
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| Relative Adverb | Definition: Introduces a relative clause, a.k.a., an adverbial clause, that starts with an adverb. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of Relative Adverbs & How They’re Used |
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| Adverbials | Definition: A single-word adverb (or a multi-word adverb) that is an adverbial phrase or (an adverbial clause) that performs the function of adverbs, typically expressing place, time, or manner. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Adverbials add information to:
Adverbials are a pain in that they are single words as well as phrases and clauses. Some adverbials are noted below while adverbials that are an extension of single-word adverbs are noted above as adverbials of direction, distance, location, manner, place, and time. |
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| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legend:
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| Adverbial Genitive | Definition: A noun that functions as an adverb, i.e., a noun used to express some relationship such as possession or origin and changed or altered in form in order to achieve a new, specific meaning related in some way to other words in a sentence.
It corresponds roughly to the English preposition of and the suffix -st. |
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Current Adverbial Genitives (Adds an -st) |
Former Adv. Gen. are Now Ordinary Adverbs | Originally Formed From | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Very few adverbial genitives are left, as it has mostly gone out of fashion with a few holdovers from Old and Middle English. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| always | all way | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| afterwards towards |
From their counterparts in -ward, which historically were adjectives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| once twice thrice |
The roots of one, two, and three | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| hence thence whence |
Related to the roots of here, there, and where | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| alongst | along | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| amidst | amid | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| amongst | among | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| midst | mid | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| whilst | while | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Examples: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The adverbial genitive still exists in some stock phrases that have a literary feel or exist in isolated and mountainous regions of the southern United States. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I work days and sleep nights.
Of an afternoon I go for a walk. Legend:
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| Clause and/or Phrase | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adverbial Clause | Definition: A dependent clause with a subject and a verb used as an adverb within a sentence to indicate time, place, condition, contrast, concession, reason, purpose, or result.
Credit to: Nordquist |
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| Rule: An adverb clause can be defining, a.k.a., restrictive or essential, (and required to identify the noun it’s attached to) or it can be non-defining, a.k.a., nonrestrictive or nonessential, (just provides extra information). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Essential Adverb Clause | Rule: Because the information in the clause is necessary to identify the noun, DON’T use a comma. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This part of the park is beautiful in the spring when the tulips are blooming. |
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| Rule: Without a comma, as, since, or while merely express time. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As we flew over the lake we could see the cottages bordering it.
As we listened to the stories Helen had recorded we remembered the good times we had with our grandparents. The Indians became more and more alarmed as the white settlements appeared farther and farther westward. |
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| Nonessential Adverb Clause | Rule: Because the information in the clause is NOT necessary to identify the noun, it’s considered parenthetical. USE a comma. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Because John had left the building, we could get on with our project. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rule: Use a comma after the adverbial clause that precedes its principal clause. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| When we finish the dishes, we can go to the movies.
After some years had passed, the family forgave him. Legend:
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| Rule: Use a comma when the clause begins with through or although. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Helen was drinking cup after cup of coffee, although she didn’t normally like the stuff. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rule: ALWAYS use a comma after any adverbial clause that begins with as, since, or while, IF it expresses cause or condition. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As the glaze wears off, the piece will have more of a vintage look.
As the bus moved slowly through the countryside, we had ample opportunity to exclaim over its quaintness. Since you won’t respect Mom’s wishes, you can’t see her anymore. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, New Orleans still hasn’t recovered. While the cause behind the virus has been discovered, we still have a lot to learn. While you’ve been napping, Paul, the rest of us have been cleaning out the garage. |
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| Rule: If the adverbial clause is so short that no misreading will result from the lack of comma, you can skip the comma. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Were there space enough and time we could conquer the world. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adverbial Phrase | Definition: When a group of words not containing a subject and verb acts as an adverb.
There are two types of adverbial phrases: |
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Rule: Do not use a comma after an adverbial phrase that begins a sentence if the verb it modifies immediately follows (Skillin, 195). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| On our way home we met the returning players.
In many parts of the world the wind has an important part in soil-making. In the year 2016 Trump was elected president. |
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| Rule: Use a comma when the adverbial phrase ends with a verb or preposition. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At the parties at which the dances were performed, the parents were invited guests.
On the sandy shores beneath, fishermen spread their nets to dry. Soon after, their first book was published. |
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| Infinitive Adverb Phrase | Definition: Acts as an adverb telling why | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Examples: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paul Revere rode that night to warn the patriots.
He hurried to the airport to pick up his girlfriend. Legend:
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| Prepositional Adverb Phrase | Definition: A prepositional phrase which provides information on the “how”, “when”, “where”, or “why” of an adjective, another adverb, or a verb (Burckmyer, 44). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The boy hopped over the fence.
Describes “hopped” The dark lake was beautiful in a sinister way. Describes “beautiful” The thief ran around the corner and vanished. Tells where he “ran” I go to McDonald’s for breakfast when I’m feeling glum. Describes why Legend:
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| Sentential Adverb | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Definition: An adverb (or adverbial phrase) that expresses a writer’s or speaker’s attitude (the author in nonfiction or the viewpoint character in fiction) toward, opinion of, or judgment of the content of the sentence in which it occurs or places the sentence in a particular context.
Think of the sentence adverb as a single-word commentary, with the writer, speaker, thinker revealing themselves through a word choice. Credit to: Hill Rule: Sentence adverbs usually require a comma to separate it from the rest of the sentence:
A.k.a., sentence adverb You may also want to explore adverbs of viewpoint above. |
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| Partial List of Sentence Adverbs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Examples | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The theorems in question are formally true.
Lawyers use formally complex types of text. Sadly, he is rather overbearing. However, there is overwhelming evidence that such usages are well established and widely accepted in everyday speech and writing. Janet ate the entire cake and, unfortunately, suffered a stomach ache for two days. Unfortunately, Janet ate the entire cake and suffered a stomach ache for two days. Presumably, the car was stolen. The car, presumably, was stolen. The car was stolen, presumably. Susan carefully prepared her presentation for her meeting the next day with a potential new client. Susan, very carefully, prepared her presentation for her meeting the next day with a potential new client. Susan — very carefully — prepared her presentation for her meeting the next day with a potential new client. |
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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!
Satisfy your curiosity about other Grammar Explanations by exploring its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Word Confusions, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.
Resources for Adverbs
Some of these links may be affiliate links, and I will earn a small percentage, if you should buy it. It does not affect the price you pay.
“3.14 Modality.” Academic Writing. Ewriting. Resource.acu.edu.au. n.d. Web. 4 Mar 2023. <https://resource.acu.edu.au/acuskills/acstyle/3_14.html>.
Ade, Rikardo. “Adverbial.” Part of Speech. n.d. Web. n.d. <https://aderikardo1.blogspot.com/p/adverbial.html>.
“Adverb Definition.” YourDictionary.com. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://www.yourdictionary.com/adverb>.
“Adverbial.” Part of Speech. n.d. Web. Accessed 17 April 2019. <https://aderikardo1.blogspot.com/p/adverbial.html>.
“Adverbial Nouns.” The Free Dictionary. Web. n.d. 17 April 2019. <https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Adverbial-Nouns.htm>.
“Adverbials of Location.” Adverbials. Learn English. British Council. n.d. Web. n.d. <https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/english-grammar/adverbials-location>.
“Adverbials of Place. Adverbials. Learn English. British Council. n.d. Web. n.d. <https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/english-grammar/adverbials-place>.
“Adverbs of Certainty.” Resources for Learning English. EduFind.com. n.d. Web. n.d. <https://www.ef.com/wwen/english-resources/english-grammar/adverbs-certainty/>.
“Adverbs of Degree.” Resources for Learning English. EduFind.com. <https://www.ef.com/wwen/english-resources/english-grammar/adverbs-degree/>.
Burckmyer, Becky. Awesome Grammar. Franklin Lakes, NJ: Career Press, 2008. Print.
“Difference Between Adverb and Adverbial.” Pediaa. 21 Jan 2016. Web. Accessed 12 April 2019. <https://pediaa.com/difference-between-adverb-and-adverbial/>.
Henneke. “Why Adverbs Stink (and the Magic of Editing).” Enchanting Marketing. n.d. Web. n.d. <https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/how-to-use-adverbs/>.
Hill, Beth. “A Tale of Adverbs and the Comma”. The Editor’s Blog. 21 Feb 2016. Web. n.d. <https://theeditorsblog.net/2016/02/21/a-tale-of-adverbs-and-the-comma/>.
Maddox, Maeve. “Sentence Adverbs.” Daily Writing Tips. Web. n.d. Web. n.d. <https://www.dailywritingtips.com/sentence-adverbs/>.
McCarthy, Chris. “Adverbials of Probability.” English Language Centres. 11 July 2013. Web. n.d. <https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/adverbials-probability>.
Nordquist, Richard. “Adverbial Term.” About.com. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://grammar.about.com/od/ab/g/adverbialterm.html>.
Purdue OWL. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/>.
Skillin, Marjorie E., Robert M. Gay, and other authorities. Words into Type. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1974. Third edition. Print.
Sorenson, Britainy. “4 Ways Adverbs Weaken Writing.” BKA Content. n.d. Web. 12 Oct 2016. <https://www.bkacontent.com/adverbs-weaken-writing/>.
Steinemann, Kathy. “Adverb Abuse.” Kathy Steinemann. n.d. Web. n.d. <https://kathysteinemann.com/Musings/adverb-abuse/> has some great word choices that will inspire you.
“Viewpoint and Commenting Adverbs.” EduFind.com. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://www.edufind.com/english-grammar/viewpoint-and-commenting-adverbs/>.
“What Are Adverbial Phrases? (with Examples).” Grammar Monster. n.d. Web. Accessed 14 April 2019. <https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/adverbial_phrases.htm>.
Wilson, Paige and Teresa Ferster Glazier.The Least You Should Know About English. Thomson Learning, Boston: 2003. Print.
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