ADVERBS

Adverbs are words that modify:

A. VERBS
B. ADJECTIVES AND/OR OTHER ADVERS

1. HOW ADVERBS MODIFY VERBS

When adverbs are used to modify verbs, they answer certain questions about the verb (action).
here are some of the questions:

1. HOW? (Adverbs of manner)

EXAMPLE:

David drives SLOWLY. (How does he drive? Slowly)

Mark and jane are happily married. (How are they married? Happily)

Adverbs of manner are usually formed by adding ¨ly¨ to the adjective.

ADJECTIVE ADVERBS

Bad badly
Happy happily
Perfect perfectly
Quiet quietly

These are some exceptions:

ADJECTIVES ADVERBS

Good well
Fast fast
Hard hard.  hardly (I hardly ever go to the movies)
Early early

2. WHEN? (Adverbs of time)

EXAMPLE:

I went to the movies YESTERDAY. (When did you go? … yesterday)

Here are some adverbs of time: TODAY, TONIGHT, TOMORROW, SOON.

We can also answer the question when? by using adverbial phrase ( a group of words
beginning with a preposition, which functions as an adverbs).

here are some examples: at 6:00, in the morning. On Saturdays, at night.

The soccer game is always exciting

3. HOW OFTEN (Adverbs of frequency)

EXAMPLES:

I USUALLY get up at 6 am.

I am NEVER late.

Note the position of the frequency adverbs in each sentence.

The frequency adverb goes before the verb in the first sentence, but after BE in the second.

the time expressions; once in a while, every six months, twice a week, etc. do answer the
question ¨how often¨ BUT are not considered frequency adverbs because of their place in a
sentence, which corresponds to adverbs of time.

EXAMPLES:

I go to the dentist TWICE A YEAR.

4. WHERE? (Adverbs of place)

EXAMPLE:

He came HERE. (where did he come? … here)

They often appear as adverbial phrases.

I live IN PUEBLA.(where do you live? … in puebla)

I´ll see you tomorrow AT SCHOOL. (where will I see you? … AT school)

2. HOW ADVERBS MODIFY ADJECTIVES AND /OR OTHER ADVERBS

Adverbs that modify adjectives and / or other adverbs are called INTESIFIERS. They
make the meaning of the adjectives or adverbs more intense. They answer the question.

TO WHAT EXTEND? Or
HOW + ADJECTIVE or ADVERB?

EXAMPLES:

He drives VERY fast. (How fast does he drive? … very)

Paris is QUITE cold this time of the year, (how cold is it … quite)

Here are some intensifiers: VERY, TOO, ABOLUTELY, PRETTY, QUITE, REALLY.

Jennifer garner is pretty pretty.

The soccer game is always exciting

ACTIVITY 1

Underline the adverbs and or adverbial phrases and circle the words they modify, say what
question they answer

He spoke slowly.  how?

1. What should I have done differently? 

2. She usually plays tennis quite well. 
3. He drove too slowly in the fast lane.  how? 
4. Where have you been lately?  how?
5. The mall was absolutely crowded.  int
6. We're going to the museum tomorrow.
7. She got lost in the big city. 
8. I was jogging in the park at 7 am. 
9. The concert was very good. 
10. Don’t put your shoes there!

ACTIVITY 2

Complete the following sentences with an appropriate adverb or adverbial phrase. Say what
kind of adverb it is.

I ALWAYS eat out on weekends.  adverb of frequency

1. The soccer game was __ exciting.

2. My brother is ___ hungry.
3. We're going to the beach ___.
4. Albert speaks English ___.
5. The children are playing ___.

The soccer game is always exciting