Adverbs and adverbial phrases (student’s book, page 155)

At the moment = now. Julia’s on holiday in Spain at the moment.

Actually does NOT mean 'now' or 'at the present moment' (it's a false friend for some
nationalities). It means IN FACT and is used to emphasize a fact or comment, or to say that
something is really true.

Especially = particularly, above all. Used to emphasize that something is more important or
happens more with one particular thing than with others. I never liked long walks, especially in
winter.
Specially (only used with a participle) for one particular purpose, and only for that purpose. The
boats are specially built for the disabled. Specially designed / built / made

Ever = at any time; used mostly in questions, negatives, comparisons, or sentences with
‘if’. Nothing ever seems to upset him. Have you ever been to Paris? I don’t think I’ve ever been
here before. If you’re ever in Seattle, come and see me.
Even used to emphasize something that is unexpected or surprising in what you are saying. It
was quite difficult to see, even with the light on.

Hard = needing a lot of effort. She has worked hard all her life.
Hardly = almost not. My parents divorced when I was six, and I hardly knew my father.

At the end = when something has finished. At the end of the class / film, etc.
In the end = eventually, after a period of time or series of events or difficulties. It took me two
years, but in the end, I passed my driving test.

Late after the usual time. The stores are open later on Thursdays. Ellen has to work
late tonight.
Lately = recently. What have you been doing lately? Lately, i’ve had trouble sleeping.

Near = close, nearby. They live near London.

Nearly = almost. It took nearly two hours to get here. Michelle’s nearly twenty.

Still used when saying that something continues to be the same as before, or has not happened
yet. He still lives with his parents. Do you still have Julie’s phone number?
Yet used in negative statements and questions to talk about whether something that
was expected has happened. I haven’t asked him yet (but I will).

Yet goes at the end of a phrase and still in the mid position. He hasn't found a job yet. He still
hasn't found a job (still= more emphatic).