What is an Adverb

What is THE ADVERB ?

Read the following sentences:-

1.  David runs quickly.

2.This is a very sweet mango.

3.   Smith reads quite clearly.

In sentence 1, quickly shows how (or in what manner) David runs; that is, quickly modifies the Verb runs.

In sentence 2, very shows how much (or in what degree) the mango is sweet; that is, very modifies the Adjective sweet.

In sentence 3, quite shows how far (or to what extent) Smith reads clearly; that is, quite modifies the Adverb clearly.

A word that modifies the meaning of a verb, an adjective, or another Adverb is called an

Adverb. The words quickly, very, and quite are, therefore, Adverbs.

Definition:  An Adverb is a word which modifies the meaning of a Verb, an Adjective or another Adverb.

In the following sentences Adverbs modify phrases:-

She was sitting close beside him.

At what hour is the sun right above us?

Have you read all through this book?

She was dressed all in white.

He paid his debts down to the last penny.

Adverbs standing at the beginning of sentences sometimes modify the whole sentence, rather than any particular word; as,

Probably he is mistaken. [=It is probable that he is mistaken.]

Possibly it is as you say. Certainly you are wrong.

Evidently the figures are incorrect.

Unfortunately no one was present there.

Luckily he escaped unhurt.

Also read: Preposition complete definition and exercise

Kinds of Adverbs

Adverbs may be divided into the following classes, according to their meaning :-

(1) Adverbs of Time (which show when).

I have heard this before.

That day he arrived late.

We shall now begin to work.

He called here a few minutes ago.

I had a letter from him lately.

The end soon came.

He comes here daily.

I hurt my knee yesterday.

I have spoken to him already.

Wasted time never returns.

He once met me in Cairo

I have not seen him since.

Mr. Gupta formerly lived here.

(2) Adverbs of Frequency (which show how often).

I have told you twice.

I have not seen him once.

He often makes mistakes.

He seldom comes here.

The postman called again.

He always tries to do his best.

He frequently comes unprepared.

(3) Adverbs of Place (which show where).

Stand here.

Go there.

The little lamb followed Mary everywhere.

My brother is out.

Come in.

Walk backward.

He looked up.

Is Mr. Das within?

The horse galloped away.

(4) Adverbs of Manner (which show how or in what manner).

The Sikhs fought bravely.

The boy works hard.

I was agreeably disappointed.

Is that so?

Thus only, will you succeed.

Govind reads clearly.

This story is well written.

The child slept soundly.

Slowly and sadly we laid him down.

You should not do so.

[Note-This class includes nearly all those Adverbs which are derived from adjectives and

end in -ly.]

(5) Adverbs of Degree or Quantity (which show how much, or in what degree or to what

extent).

He was too careless.

Is that any better?

These mangoes are almost ripe.

I am fully prepared.

You are quite wrong.

The sea is very stormy.

I am rather busy.

He is good enough for my purpose.

I am so glad.

You are partly right.

You are altogether mistaken.

Things are no better at present

.

She sings pretty well.

He is as tall as Rama.

(6) Adverbs of Affirmation and Negation

Surely you are mistaken. He certainly went.

(7) Adverbs of Reason

He is hence unable to refute the charge.

He therefore left school.

Some of the above Adverbs may belong to more than one class.

She sings delightfully. (Adverb of Manner).

The weather is delightfully cool. (Adverb of Degree).

Don't go far. (Adverb of Place).

He is far better now. (Adverb of Degree).

Note- The above are all examples of Simple Adverbs.

Yes and no, when they are used by themselves, are equivalents of sentences.

Have you typed the letter? Yes. [Here yes stands for the sentence I have typed the letter'.]

Are you going to Japan? No.  [Here no means 'I am not going to Japan.]

Please comment your answers.

Exercise 01:

In the following sentences (1) pick out the Adverbs and tell what each modifies; (2) tell

whether the modified word is a Verb, an Adjective, or an Adverb; (3) classify each

Adverb as an Adverb of time, place, manner, degree, etc. :-

1. He was ill pleased.

Answer: Ill

2. Try again.

Answer: Again

3. He is too shy.

Answer: Too

4. We rose very early.

Answer: Very, Early

5. I am so glad to hear it.

Answer: So

6. Cut it lengthwise.

Answer: Lengthwise

7. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Answer: too

8. Are you quite sure.

Answer: quite

9. That is well said.

Answer: well

10. Once or twice we have met alone.

Answer: Once, Twice, Alone

11. The railway station is far off.

Answer: Far

12. I have heard this before.

Answer: Before

13. Father is somewhat better.

Answer: Somewhat

14. I am much relived to hear it.

Answer: Much

15. The walk was rather long.

Answer: Rather

16. The patient is much worse today.

Answer: Much

17. She arrived a few minutes ago.

Answer: Ago

18. Ambition urges me forward.

Answer: Forward

19. She was dressed all in black.

Answer: All

20. We were very kindly received.

Answer: Kindly, Very

21. Her son is out in Iran.

Answer: Out

22. I surely expect him to-marrow.

Answer: Surely, Tomorrow

23. He could not speak, he was so angry.

Answer: Not, So

24. You are far too hasty.

Answer: Far, Too

25. The secret is out.

Answer: Out

26. He is old enough to know better.

Answer:Enough, Better

27. I would much rather not go.

Answer: Much, Better, Not

28. You need not roar.

Answer: Not

29. Your watch is five minutes too fast.

Answer: Too

30. He went off on Monday.

Answer: Off

31. His health is no worse than before.

Answer: No, Before

32. Wisdom is too high for a fool.

Answer: Too

33. There is a screw loose somewhere.

Answer: Soewhere

34. I see things differently now.

Answer: Differently, Now

35. Rome was not built in a day.

Answer: Not

36. The door burst open and in they came.

Answer: in

37. We have scorched the snake, not killed it.

Answer: Not

38. Do not crowd your work so closely together.

Answer: Not, So, Closely, Together

39. The patient is not better to-day.

Answer: ill

40. He must needs to do.

Answer: Needs

41. Do not walk so fast.

Answer: Not, So, Fast

42. Put not your trust in princes.

Answer: Not

43. Order the carriage round.

Answer: Round

44. He has been shamefully treated.

Answer: Shmefully

45. I wonder you never told me.

Answer: Never

When Adverbs are used in asking questions they are called Interrogative Adverbs;

as,

Where is Abdul? [Inter. Adverb of Place]

When did you come? [Inter. Adverb of Time]

Why are you late? [Inter. Adverb of Reason]

How did you contrive it? [Inter. Adverb of Manner]

How many boys are there in your class? [Inter. Adverb of Number]

How high is Rajabai Tower? [Inter. Adverb of Degree]

Read the sentences:-

Show me the house where (=in which) he was assaulted.

Here the Adverb where modifies the verb, was assaulted.

Further the Adverb where, like a Relative Pronoun, here relates or refers back to its antecedent house. It is, therefore, called a Relative Adverb.

Further examples of Relative Adverbs:-

This is the reason why I left.

Do you know the time when the Punjab Mail arrives?

It will be now seen that according to their use, Adverbs are divided into three

classes-

(1) Simple Adverbs, used to modify the meaning of a verb, an adjective, or an adverb; as,

I can hardly believe it.

You are quite wrong.

How brightly the moon shines.

(2) Interrogative Adverbs, used to ask questions; as,

Why are you late?

(3) Relative Adverbs, which refer back to a noun as their antecedent; as,

I remember the house where I was born.

It will be noticed that -

(1) A Simple Adverb merely modifies some word.

(2) An Interrogative Adverb not only modifies some word, but also introduces a question.

(3) A Relative Adverb not only modifies some word, but also refers back to some

antecedent.

Forms of Adverbs

Some Adverbs are the same in form as the corresponding Adjectives; that is, some words are used sometimes as Adjectives, sometimes as Adverbs.

Adjectives                                                                       Adverbs    

                                               

He spoke in a loud voice.                                     Don't talk so loud.

Rama is our fast bowler.                                      Rama can bowl fast.

He lives in the next house.                           When I next see him, I shall speak to him.

He went to the back entrance.                            Go back.

Every little difficulty ruffles his temper.             He is little known outside India.

This is a hard sum.                                               He is little known outside India.

It's an ill wind that blows nobody good.          He works hard all day, I can ill afford to lose him.

He is the best boy in this class.                           He behaves best.

He is quick to take offence.                                 Run quick.

Are you an early riser?                                        We started early.

The teacher has a high opinion of that boy.        Always aim high.

He is the only child of his parents.                      You can only guess.

We have enough food  to last a week.                 She sings well enough.

He is no better than a fool.                               He knows me better than you.

There is much truth in what he says.                  The patient is much better.

Remember that it is only by noticing tell what Part of Speech it is.

Please comment your answers.

Exercise 02:

Form sentences to illustrate the use of the following words (1) Adjectives, (2) as

Adverbs:-

Very
Solution: This is the very book I want. (Adjective)
                This book is very interesting. (Adverb)

Near
Solution: The church is quite near. (Adjective)
                The summer holidays are drawing near. (Adverb)

Ill
Solution: He is in ill temper. (Adjective)
                He speaks ill of his neighbors. (Adverb)
 Only
Solution: I was the only person wearing a coat . (Adjective)
                I saw him only ten minutes ago . (Adverb)
Clean
Solution: Keep the room clean . (Adjective)
                I clean forget it . (Adverb)
 Long
Solution: He was ill for long time. (Adjective)
                 How long have you lived here. (Adverb)

Late
Solution: The train was forty five minutes late. (Adjective)
                He usually gets up late. (Adverb)
 Early
Solution: He is an early riser. (Adjective)
                Come as early as possible. (Adverb)
Fast.

Solution:My watch is ten minutes fast. (Adjective)
               He speaks very fast. (Adverb)

Some Adverbs have two forms, the form ending in /y and the form which is the same as the Adjective; as,

He sings very loud. 

He sings very loudly.

Florida works hard (= diligently).

I could hardly (= scarcely) recognize him.

Stand near. (Opposed to distant)

John and Sarah are nearly (= closely) related.

He arrived late. (Opposed to early).

I have not seen him lately (= recently).

I am pretty (= tolerably, fairly) sure of the fact.

She is prettily (= neatly, elegantly) dressed.

Some Adverbs are used as Nouns after prepositions; as,

He lives far from here (= this place).

He comes from there (= that place).

I have heard that before now (= this time).

By then (= that time) the police arrived on the scene.

Since when (= what time) have you taken to smoking?

The rain comes from above.

[Note. The common use of from with thence and whence is wrong. Thence- from there;whence = from where. Thus the addition of from to either of these words is incorrect].

Certain Adverbs sometimes seem to be used as Adjectives, when some participle or adjective is understood.

The then king = the king then reigning.

A down train = a down-going train.

An up train = an up-going train.

The above statement = the statement made above.

In the following sentences the is not the definite article, but an old demonstrative

pronoun used as an Adverb.

The more the merrier [= by how much the more by so much the merrier; that is, the more

numerous a party is, the more enjoyable it is]. 

The fewer the better [= by how much the fewer by so much the better]. 

The sooner the better [= by how much the sooner by somuch the better]. 

He has tried it and is [so much] the better for it.

It will be noticed that the is used as an Adverb only with an adjective or another adverb in the comparative degree.

Nouns expressing adverbial relations of time, place, distance, weight, measurement,

value, degree, or the like, are often used as Adverbs. Thus-

• The siege lasted a week.

• This will last me a month.

• He went home.

• We walked five miles.

• The load weighs three tonnes.

• It measures five feet.

• The cloth measures three meters.

• The watch is worth a thousand rupees.

• The wound was skin deep.

A noun so used is called an Adverbial Accusative.

Sometimes Verbs are used as Adverbs; as,

Smack went the whip.

COMPARISON OF ADVERBS

Some Adverts, like Adjectives, have three degrees of comparison. Such Adverbs are generally compared like Adjectives.

If the Adverb is of one syllable, we form the Comparative by ending er, and the

Superlative by adding est, to the Positive; as,

Fast -- faster -- fastest

Hard -- harder -- hardest

Long -- longer -- longest

Soon -- sooner -- soonest

Rama ran fast. (Positive)

John tan faster. (Comparative)

Smith ran fastest of all. (Superlative)

Adverbs ending in ly form the Comparative by adding more and the Superlative by

adding most; us.

Swiftly -- more swiftly -- most swiftly

Skilfully -- more skillfully -- most skilfully

Abdul played skilfully. (Positive)

Karim played mure skilfully than Abdul (Comparative)

Of all the eleven Ahmed played most skilfully. (Superlative)

But note early, earlier, earliest.

I came early this morning

Ram came earlier.

Abdul came earliest of all.

It will be noticed that only Adverbs of Manner, Degree, and Time admit of

comparison.

Exception: Many Adverbs, from their nature, cannot be compared; as,

Now, then, where, there, once.

Some of the commonest Adverbs form their Comparative and Superlative Degrees irregularly.

Positive -- Comparative -- Superlative

Ill, badly -- worse -- worst

Well -- better -- best

Much -- more -- most

Little -- less -- least

(Nigh), near -- nearer -- nearest/next

Far -- (father, further) -- (farthest, furthest)

Late -- later -- last

Rama writes well

Arjun writes better than Rama.

Hari writes best of all.

Do you work mush?

I work more than, you do.

Hari works most of the three or us

Please comment your answers.

Exercise 03:

Compare the following Adverbs :

Suddenly: More suddenly, most suddenly 

Often: More often, most often or oftener, oftenest

Near: Nearer, nearest/next

Loud: Louder, loudest

Hard: Harder, hardest

Wisely: More wisely, most wisely

Patiently: More patiently, most patiently

FORMATION OF ADVERBS

Adverbs of Manner are mostly formed from Adjectives by adding ly (a corruption of

like); as,

Clever, cleverly; wise, wisely; kind, kindly; foolish, foolishly; quick, quickly; beautiful,

beautifully.

Akbar was a wise king.

He ruled wisely for many years.

When the Adjective ends in y preceded by a consonant, change v into i and add ly; as,

Happy, happily; ready, readily; heavy, heavily.

When the Adjective ends in le, simply change e into y; as,

Single, singly; double, doubly.

Some Adverbs are made up of a Noun and a qualifying Adjective; as,

Sometimes, meantime, meanwhile, yesterday, midway, otherwise.

Some Adverbs are compounds of on (weakened to a) and a Noun; as,

Afoot (= on foot), abed, asleep, ahead, aboard, away. Similarly there are other Adverbs

which are also compounds of some Preposition and a Noun; as,

Betimes, besides, to-day, to-morrow; overboard.

[Note.- The word be is an old form of the Preposition by.

Some Adverbs are compounds of a Preposition and an Adjective; as,

Abroad, along, aloud, anew, behind, below, beyond.

Some Adverbs are compounds of a Preposition and an Adverb; as,

Within, without, before, beneath.

There is a class of Adverbs which are derived from the Pronouns the (= that), he, who.

ADVERBS

Pronouns (Place -- Motion -- Motion to -- Time from -- Manner)

The (There, thither, thence, then, thus)

He (here, hither, hence, …... , ……)

Who (where, whither, whence, when, how) 

Many of the above Adverbs are compounded with Prepositions. Thus we get- 

Thereby, therefrom, therein, thereof, thereon, thereto, there with; hereafter, hereby,

herein, hereupon, herewith; wherefore, wherein, whereon, whereof:

hitherto;

thenceforth, thenceforward;

henceforth, henceforward.

Two Adverbs sometimes go together, joined by the Conjunction and; as,

again (= more than once, repeatedly),

by and by (= before long, presently, after a- time),

far and near (= in all directions),

far and wide (= comprehensively),

far and away (= by a great deal, decidedly, beyond all comparison,

first and foremost (= first of all), . .

now and then (= from time to time, occasionally),

now and again (= at intervals, sometimes, occasionally),

off and on (= not regularly, intermittently),

once and again (= on more than one occasion, repeatedly),

out and away (= beyond comparison, by far),

out and out (= decidedly, beyond all comparison),

over and above (= in addition to, besides, as well as),

over and over (= many times, frequently, repeatedly),

through and through (= thoroughly, completely),

thus and thus (= in such and such a way).

to and fro (= backwards and forwards, up and down).

Good books should be read again and again.

I warned him again and again,

By and by the tumult will subside.

His fame has spread far and near.

As a statesman he saw far and wide.

This is far and away the best course.

He is far and away the best bowler in our eleven.

He now and then writes on fiscal questions.

I write to him now and then.

He worked ten years, off and on, on his Pali Dictionary.

I have told you once and again that you must not read such trash.

This is out and away the best work on Astronomy.

He gained over and above this, the goodwill of all people.

Over and above being hard-working he is thoroughly honest.

He reads all the novels of Scott over and over.

I believe Sachin is out and out the best Indian batsman.

He has read Milton through and through.

Thus and thus only we shall succeed.

He walked to and fro, meditating.

POSITION OF ADVERBS

Adverbs of manner, which answer the question 'How?' (e.g., well, fast, quickly,

carefully, calmly) are generally placed after the verb or after the object if there is one; as,

It is raining heavily.

The ship is going slowly.

She speaks English well.

He does his work carefully.

Adverbs or adverb phrases of place (e.g., here there, everywhere, on the wall) and of

time (e.g., now, then, yet, today, next Sunday) are also usually placed after the verb or

after the object if there is one; as,

He will come here.

I looked everywhere.

Hang the picture there.

I met him yesterday.

They are to be married next week.

When there are two or more adverbs after a verb (and its object), the normal order is

adverb of manner, adverb of place, adverb of time.

She sang well in the concert.

We should go there tomorrow evening.

He spoke earnestly at the meeting last night.

Adverbs of frequency, which answer the question 'How often?' (e.g., always, never,

often, rarely, usually, generally) and certain other adverbs like almost, already, hardly,

nearly, just, quite are normally put between the subject and the verb if the verb consists of

only one word; if there is more than one word in the verb, they are put after the first

word.

His wife never cooks.

He has never seen a tiger.

I have often told him to write neatly.

We usually have breakfast at eight.

My uncle has just gone out.

I quite agree with you.

If the verb is am/are/is/was, these adverbs are placed after the verb, as

I am never late for school.

He is always at home on Sundays.

We arc just off.

These adverbs are usually put before an auxiliary or the single verb be, when it is

stressed; as,

“Abdul has come late again.” “Yes, he always does come late.”

“When will you write the essay?” “But I already have written it.”

“Will you be free on Sundays?” “I usaully am free on Sundays.”

“Do you eat meat?” “Yes, I sometimes do.”

When an auxiliary is used alone in short responses, as in the last example above, it is

stressed and therefore the adverb comes before it.

The auxiliaries have to and used to prefer the adverb in front of them.

I often have to go to college on foot.

He always used to agree with me.

When an adverb modifies an adjective or another adverb, the adverb usually comes before it; as,

Rama is a rather lazy boy.

The dog was quite dead.

The book is way interesting.

Do not speak so fast.

But the adverb enough is which it modifies; as,

Is the box big enough?

He was rash enough to interrupt.

He spoke loud enough to be heard.

As a general rule, the word only .should be placed immediately before the word it

modifies; as,

I worked only two sums.

He has slept only three hours.

In spoken English, however it is usually put before the verb. The required meaning is

obtained by stressing the word which the only modifies; as,

I only worked two sums.

He has only slept' three hours

Please comment your answers.

Exercise 04:

Insert the given adverbs (or adverb phrases)in their normal position :-

1. He invited me to visit him (often).

Solution: He often invited me to visit him.

2. I am determined to yield this point (never)

Solution: I am determined never to yield this point.

3. I know the answer (already).

Solution: I already know the answer.

4. We have seen her (just, in, the square).

Solution: Wevhave just seen her in the square.

5. I have to reach the office (by 9 30, usually).

Solution: I usually have to reach the office by 9: 30: 

6. Will he be (there, still)?

Solution: Will he still be there.

7. I shall meet you (this evening, m the park).

Solution: I shall meet you in the park this evening.

8. The train has left (just).

Solution: The train has just left.

9. “Can you park your car near the shops” “Yes, I can (usually).”

Solution: "Can you park your car near the shops" "yes I usually can"

10. You have to check your oil before starting (always).

Solution: you always have to check your oil before starting.

11. He is in time for meals (never).

Solution: He is never in time for meals.

12. We should come (here, one morning)

Solution:We should come here one morning.

13. He has recovered from his illness(quite)

Solution: He has quite recovered from his illness.

14. She goes to the cinema (seldom)

Soluton: The seldom goes to the cinema.

15. That is not good (enough).

Solution: That is not good enough.

16. You must say such a thing (never, again)

Solution: You must never say such a thing again.

17. Suresh arrives (always, at 9 o'clock, at the office)

Solution: Suresh always arrives at the office at 9 o'clock.

18. He played the violin (last night, brilliantly in the concert)

Solution: He played the violin brilliantly in the concert last night.