The Adverb

An adverb is a word which modifies the meaning of a verb, an adjective or another adverb.

Adverb is another part of speech which does an important work in a sentence. This adverb says something more about the action done by the subject in a sentence.

Study the following:

1. Benedict writes neatly.
2. Miranda is a very beautiful lady.
3. She dances quite gracefully.

In the above sentences the underlined words are adverbs. In the first sentence it modifices the verb 'writes'. In the second sentence it modifies the adjective 'beautiful'. In the third sentence it modifies the adverb 'gracefully'.

There are different kinds of adverbs. Let's see them now in detail. The following are different classes of adverb according to their meaning.

A. Adverbs of time: It is the answer to the question 'when'

• She told me everything yester-day.
• The children play here every day / daily.
• We have already visited him.
• He will never pay you the money.
• She came late to the previous.

B. Adverbs of frequency: It answers to the question 'how often'

• I gave her money thrice.
• My uncle often visits us.
• She always speaks truth.
• The tiger frequently escapes from the zoo.
• She seldom disobeys her elders.

C. Adverbs of place: Answer to the question 'where'

• She searched the purse everywhere.
• The soldiers marched forward.
• She is standing there.
• Please come in.
• He ran away.

D. Adverbs of manner: Answer to the question 'how' or 'in what manner'

• This film is well directed.
• Thus I saved money for my future.
• The old man was sleeping soundly.
• The sick man walks very slowly.
• He writes very neatly.

This class includes nearly all those adverbs derived from adjectives and end in '-ly'.

E. Adverbs of degree or quantity: Answer to the question 'how much' or 'in what degree' or 'to what extent'

• She is too weak.
• My father is fully disappointed.
• They were so glad to see it.
• What she said was almost true.
• Your imagination is pretty interesting.

F. Adverbs of affirmation and negation

• Definitely she was cheated.
• We will certainly be allowed.
• Surely you will pass.
• She does not know him.
• Put not your frost in wealth.

G. Adverbs of reason:

• She, therefore came late to the office.
• He, therefore decided to resign.
• Hence a new policy will be created.
• The meeting was hence cancelled.
• We, therefore vacated the house.

H. Interrogative adverbs: (Question words)

• Where is my bag? (adverb of place)
• When does the examination commence? (adv. Of time)
• Why did she scold you? (adv. Of reason)
• How did you write the test? (adv. Of manner)
• How many pencils do you have? (adv. Of number)
• How pleasant is the weather? (adv. Of degree)

Exercies

Analyse the adverbs in the following sentence:

1. Everything is well planned.
2. She could not explain anything.
3. He needs to take complete rest.
4. The train left the station a few minutes ago.
5. The patient is much better now.
6. He is young enough to work hard.
7. Where have you gone?
8. Please tell me who is your brother.
9. She sings the song sweetly.
10. You should try it again.

Answers:

1. Everything is well planned. (adv. Of manner)
2. She could not explain anything. (adv. Of negation)
3. He needs to take complete rest. (adv. Of affirmation)
4. The train left the station a few minutes ago. (adv. Of time)
5. The patient is much better now. (adv. Of degree)
6. He is young enough to work hard. (adv. Of degree)
7. Where have you gone? (adv. Of interrogation)
8. Please tell me who is your brother. (relative adv.)
9. She sings the song sweetly. (adv. Of manner)
10. You should try it again. (adv. Of time)