Adverbs
Learn about words that modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs in English grammar
What Are Adverbs?
Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or entire sentences. They provide additional information about how, when, where, why, or to what extent something happens. Adverbs often end in -ly, but not always. They help make our language more precise and descriptive by adding details about actions and qualities.
Types of Adverbs
1. Adverbs of Manner
Definition
Describe how something is done
Examples
quickly, slowly, carefully, loudly, softly
Usage
Usually end in -ly
Sentence
She sings beautifully.
2. Adverbs of Time
Definition
Tell when something happens
Examples
now, then, today, yesterday, soon
Usage
Often at beginning or end of sentence
Sentence
I will see you tomorrow.
3. Adverbs of Place
Definition
Tell where something happens
Examples
here, there, everywhere, inside, outside
Usage
Usually after the verb
Sentence
The cat is sleeping here.
4. Adverbs of Frequency
Definition
Tell how often something happens
Examples
always, never, often, sometimes, rarely
Usage
Usually before main verb
Sentence
I always eat breakfast.
5. Adverbs of Degree
Definition
Show intensity or extent
Examples
very, quite, extremely, too, enough
Usage
Modify adjectives or other adverbs
Sentence
She is very intelligent.
Adverbs in Sentences
She sings beautifully (manner) every day (frequency).
The children play happily (manner) outside (place) now (time).
He is extremely (degree) intelligent and works very (degree) hard.
I will see you tomorrow (time) here (place).
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Adverb Types
Identify the type of each adverb:
1. "She runs quickly." - quickly is an adverb of _____
Show Answer
Answer: Manner (describes how she runs)
2. "I will see you tomorrow." - tomorrow is an adverb of _____
Show Answer
Answer: Time (tells when)
3. "He is very intelligent." - very is an adverb of _____
Show Answer
Answer: Degree (shows intensity)
Interactive Quiz 2: Find Adverbs in Sentences
Find all the adverbs in each sentence:
She sings beautifully every day.
Show Answer
Answer: beautifully (manner), every day (frequency)
The children play happily outside now.
Show Answer
Answer: happily (manner), outside (place), now (time)
He is extremely intelligent and works very hard.
Show Answer
Answer: extremely (degree), very (degree), hard (manner)
Interactive Quiz 3: Adverb vs Adjective
Identify if each word is an adverb or adjective:
1. "She is a quick runner." - quick is _____
Show Answer
Answer: Adjective (describes the noun runner)
2. "She runs quickly." - quickly is _____
Show Answer
Answer: Adverb (describes the verb runs)
3. "He is a hard worker." - hard is _____
Show Answer
Answer: Adjective (describes the noun worker)
Interactive Quiz 4: Create Sentences with Adverbs
Create sentences using these types of adverbs:
Use: adverb of manner + adverb of time
Show Example
Example: She dances beautifully every evening.
Use: adverb of frequency + adverb of place
Show Example
Example: I always study here.
Use: adverb of degree + adverb of manner
Show Example
Example: He works extremely hard.
Important Grammar Rules for Adverbs
Position
Adverbs of manner usually come after the verb, while adverbs of frequency come before the main verb.
Formation
Many adverbs are formed by adding -ly to adjectives, but not all adverbs end in -ly.
Multiple Adverbs
When using multiple adverbs, follow the order: manner, place, time.
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Adverbs add precision and detail to your writing!