KINDS OF ADVERBS

Definition of an Adverb

An adverb can be defined as,

The word whose addition helps to further explain the meaning of a verb, an adjective or another adverb in a sentence.

Understanding Adverbs, Their Types and Uses

In this article, we will go through the following:

Understanding adverbs by seeing them in action with other parts of sentence

• Verb
• Adjective
• Another adverb

What are the different types of adverbs?

• Adverbs of place
• Adverbs of manner
• Adverbs of time
• Adverbs of frequency
• Adverbs of degree or quality
• Adverbs of affirmation and negation

Examples of Adverbs in Action

Modifying a verb by an adverb

The girl reads quickly.

Here the word ‘quickly’ tells us that how the girl ‘reads’  (the verb). Thus in this way ‘quickly’ modifies the meaning of the verb ‘reads’ and explains it further, that is why it will be called as an adverb.

Modifying an adjective by adverbs

These grapes are extremely sour in taste.

Here the word ‘extremely’ tells us that how much the grapes are ‘sour’ (the adjective). Thus in this way, inclusion of the word ‘extremely’ helps further to explain the meaning of ‘sour’ in this sentence, that it why it shall be called as an adverb.

Modification of another adverb by an adverb

Anne types very quickly on the computer.

Here the word ‘very’ helps to tell us that to what extent can Anne write ‘quickly’ (the adverb) on the computer. Thus in this way, addition of the word ‘very’ before the main adverb helps to explain the ‘quickly’, that is why it will be referred to as an adverb.

Types of Adverbs

Adverbs are classified into types on the basis of their meanings. Let’s see what their types are:

What are Adverbs of Place?

The adverbs which are used by the speaker to explain where exactly a certain action is done or has been done are called as the adverbs of place. These adverbs are used to answer the question of ‘where?’ The adverbs of place usually come after the verb.

For example,

• Play there.
• We are going outside.

What are Adverbs of Manner ?

The adverbs which are used by the speaker to explain that in what manner a certain action is or were doneare called as the adverbs of manner. There adverbs are used to answer the question of ‘how?’ While being used in a sentence, these adverbs generally come just after the verb.

For example,

• The little baby is sleeping soundly.
• The soldier fought bravely in the battle.

What are Adverbs of Time?

The adverbs which are used by the speaker to explain that at what time a certain action is or were done are referred to as the adverbs of time. These adverbs are used to answer the question of ‘when?’ While being used in a sentence, these adverbs may come at the beginning or the ending of sentence.

For example,

• I met her yesterday.
• We will come soon.
• Last week she went to a party.

What are Adverbs of Frequency?

The adverbs which are used by the speaker to indicate that how often an action takes or have taken placeare called adverbs of frequency.

For example,

• I talked to him frequently.
• He rarely comes to school now.

What are Adverbs of Degree or Quantity?

The adverbs which indicate that how much something is or how much some action happens or happenedare called adverbs of degree or quantity.

For example,

• I am almost ready.
• He was so glad.

What are Adverbs of Affirmation and Negation?

The adverbs which give a positive or a negative response related with the meaning of the verb, adjective or adverb in a sentences are called the adverbs of affirmation and negation.

For example,

• She certainly loves your cooking.
• Surely you would enjoy his company.