What is an adverb ? Definition and types of adverb with examples and exercise

 In this article, I have explained the adverb and kinds of adverbs with examples. The adverb is very important for the students who want to write good English, particularly for non-native students. This article is very important for all types of students, particularly for high school students

The Adverb

It is a word that adds something to the meanings of an Adjective or a verb or other Adverb. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. This definition enables us to identify the words merrily, extremely, very, and adverbs in the following sentences.

Examples

•  An almost black snake was creeping.
•  An almost black snake was creeping quickly. 
•  An almost black snake was creeping very quickly.

Note

The first sentence almost is modifying an adjective that is black therefore almost is an adverb.
In the second sentence quickly is modifying creeping that is a verb therefore in this sentence almost and quickly are two adverbs.
In the third sentence, the word very is modifying another adverb that is 'quickly', the word quickly is modifying a verb that is creeping the word almost is modifying an adjective that black therefore in this sentence the words, quickly, almost, and very are used as adverbs.

Comparison of adverbs

Adverbs have three degrees.
These are simple, comparative, and superlative.

 Examples

Positive                               Comparative                          Superlative

Fast                                         faster                                             fastest
Long                                       longer                                            longest

Soon                                       sooner                                             soonest

Examples

• Ali runs fast

(Simple)

• Ali runs faster.

(comparative)

• Ali runs fastest.

(Superlative)

The Kinds of Adverb

There are three different kinds of adverbs.

1. Simple adverbs

These adverbs simply qualify the meaning of the word to which they are attached.

Examples

• She sings well.
• They came quickly.
• She speaks loudly.

In the first example well, in the second example quickly and in the third example loudly are just simply modifying the words sing, come, and speaks therefore these adverbs are called simple adverbs.

Note

Simple adverbs are further sub-divided into the following kinds.

I. Adverb of Manner

The adverb of manner shows how an action was done.

Examples

• She walks slowly.
• He writes nicely.
• They run fast.

In these examples, the words slowly, nicely, and fast are adverbs of manner.
The following are the important adverbs of manner.
Well, ill, hard, fast, thus, nicely, badly, slowly, quickly, sadly, happily, sorrowfully, clearly, agreeably, soundly, steadily, elegantly, and gracefully.

II. Adverb of Place

The adverb of the place shows where the action was done.

Examples

• She went abroad for further studies.
• We sat inside.
• He will come here.

In these examples, the words abroad, inside, and here are examples of adverbs of place.
The following are the important adverbs of Place.
In, out, here, there, inside, outside, above, below, for, near, away, hither, thither, backward, forward, everywhere, nowhere.

III. Adverb of Time

These adverbs show when the action was done. These adverbs give the answer to the question When.

Examples

• She met me yesterday.
• I go there daily.
• He will come tomorrow.

The following are the important adverbs of time.
Now, then, late, early, soon, after, ago, before, yet, since, today, yesterday, tomorrow, already, daily, presently, recently, shortly formerly, immediately.

IV. Adverb of Frequency

These adverbs show how often an action was done.

Examples  

• They always speak the truth.
• He seldom comes here.
• He often visits my home.

The following are the important adverbs of frequency.
Once, Twice, Thrice, Again, always, often, seldom, ever, never, sometimes, secondly, thirdly, and frequently.

V. Adverb of Degree

Adverbs of Degree show in what degree or to what extent an action was done. 

Examples

• She is very kind to us.
• He is too shy.
• We are fully prepared.

In these examples, the word very, too, and fully are called adverbs of degree.
The following are the examples of adverbs of degree.
Very, much, too, quite, enough, less, more, most, so, any, rather, partly, fully, entirely, wholly, completely, hardly, scarcely, exceedingly, pretty, altogether.

VI. Adverb of Affirmation and negation.

Adverbs of affirmation and negation show belief or disbelief.

Examples

• Do you go to college daily? Yess
• I do not know how to swim.

In these examples, yes and do not are the examples of adverbs of affirmation and negation.

VII. Adverb of cause and reason

Words or phrases which answer the question “why” are called adverbs of cause or reason.

Examples

• I went there to attend the meeting.
• He did not work hard therefore he fails.
• I work hard consequently I passed the examination.

In these examples, the words to attend the meeting, therefore, and consequently are called adverbs of cause and reason.
The following are the important adverbs of cause and reason.
Hence, therefore, likewise, accordingly, consequently.

2. Interrogative Adverbs

Interrogative adverbs are used to ask questions.

I. Time

When does he go there?

II. Place

Where does he go there?

III. Manner

How is he today?

IV. Frequency

How often does he go there?

V. Degree

How fast does he run?

VI. Cause

Why did you do this?

3. Relative Adverbs

The relative adverbs qualify the words as well as connect the sentences. The relative adverbs play a double function the role of an adverb and the role of conjunction.
Examples

• This is the place where we met first.

In these examples, the words where and when are examples of relative adverbs.

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