English: Adverbs

Question 1

What are adverbs?

Answer 1

Adverbs describe the verbs whereas adjectives describe nouns.
If you take a verb like run, then the adverb would describe how and what the running is like.
Adverbs often end in ‘ly’ which makes them easier to recognise however, some do not eg. ‘fast’ and ‘soon’.

Question 2

What do adverbs do?

Answer 2

Adverbs have a number of functions:

1. They give extra information of a verb process eg. I walked SLOWLY.
2. Modifying other adjectives and adverbs eg. I ran VERY quickly.
3. Modifying whole sentences eg. UNFORTUNATELY, the train had already gone.

Question 3

Name some adverb types.

Answer 3

1. Adverbs of time that answer the question ‘when’? eg. We go there OFTEN.
   I’ve been there ALREADY.
2. Adverbs of process answer the question ‘how’? eg. I ate QUICKLY.
   I grinned HAPPILY.
3. Adverbs of modality can be used to emphasise, to show approximation and restriction.
   I DEFINATELY agree with you.
   They’ve HARDLY seen anything.
   I was ONLY asking.
4. adverbs of degree can be used to show amplification, diminuation and measure.
   I BADLY want a drink.
   You have answered my question SUFFICIENTLY.