Adverbs
Adverbs of Frequency
An adverb of frequency answers the question How often? Adverbs of frequency
include: always, never, usually, frequently, occasionally, rarely, seldom, sometimes,
etc.
Example: Bob always forgets to check his email before class begins. (Before answers
the question: How often does Bob forget to check his email?)
Interrogative Adverbs
An interrogative adverb introduces a question. Interrogative adverbs are usually
placed at the beginning of the sentence. Interrogative adverbs include: how, when,
why, and where.
Example: When will John’s plane arrive from Atlanta?
Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs serve as transitional words, joining and relating independent
clauses. Conjunctive adverbs include: accordingly, also, alternatively, certainly,
consequently, finally, nevertheless, moreover, previously, therefore, etc. For a list of
more conjunctive adverbs, refer to the Writing Center’s handout Common
Conjunctions.
Example: We plan to leave early in the morning; therefore, we will go to bed early.
Forming Adverbs
Adding –ly to the end
Many adverbs are formed by adding –ly to an adjective.
Example: clear/clearly hard/hardly
Irregular Adverbs
Some adverbs do not use the –ly ending. These adverbs do not have a particular form.
Following is a list of some of the most common irregular adverbs: already, also,
always, here, never, not, now, often, quite, seldom, soon, still, then, there, too, very
well.
Adverb Placement
Adverbs are flexible in their placement; therefore, they can be placed just about
anywhere within the sentence.
At the beginning of a sentence or a clause
Example: Clearly, John has a problem arriving to work on time.
At the end of a sentence or a clause
Example: Sarah and John attend the opera frequently.
After the verb
Example: Bob and John have always participated in the soccer tournament.
Between the subject and the verb
Example: Sarah rarely forgets to call home when she is out late.
- There is another classification of adverbs considering meaning such as:
1. Qualitative adverbs
a. Adverbs of manner: desperately, fast, perfectly
2. Quantitative adverbs
a. Adverbs of degree: extremely, hardly, too, very
b. Adverbs of measure: long
3. Circumstational Adverbs – Time Adverbs
a. Adverbs of definite time: yesterday, then, now, in the morning
b. Adverbs of indefinite time: soon, always, often, sometimes, ever Subgroups of
Adverbs of time can answer the questions like:
Adverbs of definite time answering the question When? – Yesterday, last week, early,
late.
