Definition:
An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It provides additional information about how, where, when, or to what extent an action or characteristic is performed or described.
Types of Adverbs:
- Adverbs of Manner (e.g., quickly, slowly, gently): Describe how something is done.
- Adverbs of Place (e.g., here, there, above, below): Describe where something happens or exists.
- Adverbs of Time (e.g., now, then, yesterday, tomorrow): Describe when something happens or exists.
- Adverbs of Degree (e.g., very, too, much, hardly): Indicate the extent or intensity of something.
- Adverbs of Frequency (e.g., always, often, never, rarely): Indicate how often something happens or exists.
Formation:
- Many adverbs are formed by adding "-ly" to an adjective (e.g., quick -> quickly).
- Some adverbs are formed by adding "-wards" to a noun (e.g., home -> homewards).
- Some adverbs are formed by adding "-wise" to a noun (e.g., length -> lengthwise).
Placement:
- In a Sentence: Adverbs are typically placed immediately after the verb they modify. However, adverbs of frequency are often placed at the beginning of a sentence.
- In a Phrase: Adverbs can modify adjectives or other adverbs. They are placed after the word they modify.
Examples:
- The car drove quickly down the road. (Adverb of Manner)
- The book is here on the table. (Adverb of Place)
- I have never seen such a beautiful painting. (Adverb of Frequency)
- He is very tall. (Adverb of Degree)
- We need to think carefully about this decision. (Adverb modifying another adverb)