Adverbs

1. Adverbs Are words that modify (qualify): • Verbs • Adjectives • Other adverbs

2. Adverbs of manner Express how you do something Usually come after the main verb • He speaksquickly. • She drove home carefully.

3. Adverbs of manner Come before the main verb in passive sentences • The driver was seriouslyinjured. • The equipment has been thoroughlytested.

4. Adverbs of frequency Express how often you do something Come before the main verb (if it is not to be) or after to be as a main verb • I nevergo to the supermarket on rainy nights. • He isoften late for his appointments. • Exceptions: sometimes, usually, normally, commonly

5. Adverbs of time Express time references Usually go at the end of the sentence, or at the beginning, when you want to make a clear distinction between a previous time reference and the new one • I am going to London in July. • I am going to London in July and in August I’m going to visit Liverpool.

6. Adverbs of degree Describe how much something is done or intensify an adjective Very, extremely, incredibly, almost, nearly intensify adjectives or other adverbs, and come before them. • The dinner party was verycarefully planned. • I got extremelyexcited that evening.

7. Adverbs of degree Much, a lot are mostly used with verbs to express how much something was done, and go after the verbs • I like that film a lot. • Thank you very much.

8. Adverbs of degree A little, a bit can be used to intensify adjectives or adverbs or to express how much an action (a verb) is done, and follow the rules for the previous kinds of adverbs of degree • I’m a bittired. • She sleepsa bit in the afternoon.

9. Comment/viewpoint adverbs Express your point of view or opinion about a sentence Usually come at the beginning of the sentence or clause • Clearly, this is a bad idea. • Unfortunately, the experiment was unsuccessful. • Other adverbs: luckily, ideally, apparently, obviously

10. Order of adverbs I went in July to London. OR I wentto London in July. ? • PLACE >>> TIME

11. Order of adverbs Mydogdiedpeacefullyon a summernight. OR Mydogdiedon a summernightpeacefully. ? • MANNER >>> TIME

12. Order of adverbs He putthe tools carefully in the box. OR He putthe tools in the box carefully. ? MANNER >>> PLACE

13. As a general rule • OBJECTS >>> MANNER >>> PLACE >>> TIME

14. These rules are just general guidelines. Sometimes, different orders are possible, and even change the meaning of the sentence. Happily he died. (he was a real bastard) He died happily. (he died doing the things he liked)