Adverbs

Adverbs

An adverb is a word that is used to qualify (or change) the meaning of a verb, an adjective or another adverb. An adverb is also used to qualify a preposition, a conjunction, a noun, a pronoun, and a sentence besides a verb, an adjective and an adverb.

Explanation

1).  An adverb as verb.

• Vidya walks slowly.
• He runs fast.

In the sentence given above, the words- ‘slowly’ and ‘fast’ are qualifying the verbs-  ‘walks’ and ‘runs’ respectively. So the words- ‘slowly and fast’ are adverbs.

2). An adverb as adjective.

• Rajive is very confident.
• She is extremely healthy.

In case of above sentences, the words- ‘very’ and ‘extremely’ are qualifying adjectives- ‘confident’ and ‘healthy’. So the words ‘very’ and

‘extremely’ are adverbs.

3).  An adverb as Adverb.

• I dance very well.
• The dogs run very fast.

In the sentence given above, the words- ‘very’ is qualifying the adverbs- ‘well’ and ‘fast’. Therefore the verb ‘very’ is an adverb.

4).  An adverb as prepositions

• The bird flew exactly over my head.
• She parked her car just at the outhouse.

In the above sentence, the words- ‘exactly and just’ are qualifying the preposition- ‘over and at’ respectively. Therefore, the words-

‘exactly and just’ are adverbs.

5).  An adverb as conjunction.

• She hates her simply because he drinks whisky.
• Mr. Rajesh reached the station a little before the train left for.

In the above sentence, the words- ‘simply’ and ‘little’ are qualifying the conjunctions- ‘because’ and ‘before’ respectively. Therefore, the

words- ‘simply’ and a ‘little’ are adverbs.

6).  An adverb as a complete sentence.

• Fortunately, the thief was caught.
• Naturally, Dhoni played well.

In the above sentence, the words- ‘Fortunately and naturally’ are qualifying the sentences- ‘The thief was caught’ and ‘Dhoni played well’

respectively. Therefore, the words- ‘fortunately and naturally’ are adverbs.

Type of Adverbs

• Adverb of time
• Adverb of place
• Adverb of number/ frequency
• Adverb of quantity/ range/ extent/ degree
• Adverb of Manner
• Adverb of reason
• Adverb of affirmation or negation
• Interrogative Adverbs
• Relative adverbs

1). Adverb of time

The adverbs which represent or express time are called Adverb of time. Such as,Today, Tomorrow, Yesterday, Last night, Last day, Last Week, Last month, Last year, Next day, Next week, Next month, Next year, Late, Lately, Now, Just now, Just, Ago, Daily, Already, Early, Soon, The day after tomorrow, The day before yesterday, At present, Presently, Shortly, Recently, Immediately, Instantly, Before, Since…..  etc.

Example

• He saw me yesterday.
• I have seen him before.

2). Adverb of place

The adverbs which express place are called adverbs of place. Such as,Here, There, Up, Within, Away, Down, Everywhere, Somewhere, Nowhere, Anywhere, Without, Above, Below, Far, Near, Backward, Inside, Outside, Outdoors, ndoors.. etc.

Example: Walk forward.

There is water everywhere.

3). Adverbs of Number

The adverbs which represent the frequency or number of ‘to be an action’ are called Adverbs of numbers.

Such as- once, twice, always, never, hardly, rarely, frequently, firstly, secondly, thirdly… etc.

Example: We always try to do our best.

4). Adverbs of Quantity

The adverbs which express the quantity, area or extent of an adjective or an adverb are called Adverbs of quantity. Such as-

Too, very, quite, enough, rather, fairly, entirely, altogether, almost, party, nearly, fully, so, well, partly etc.

5). Adverbs of Manner

The adverbs which express the method of ‘to be an action’ are called Adverb of manner. Such as; fast, hard, slowly, bravely, wisely, loudly, badly, fluently, beautifully, clearly, lovingly, faithfully, seriously, certainly, well, doubtfully… etc.

Example: He works hard.

6). Adverbs of Reasons

The adverbs which express the sense of reason are called Adverbs of Reason. Such as, Hence, therefore, consequently.

Example: I therefore left office.

7). Adverbs of Affirmation or negation

The adverbs which express the sense of affirmation or negation are called Adverbs of Affirmation or Negation; Such as: Not, surely, indeed, by no means, not at all, yes, no, probably etc.

Example: Surely he is right.

8). Interrogative Adverbs

The adverbs which are used to ask a question are called Interrogative adverbs. Such as- When, how long, where, how often, how many times, how much, how far, how, in what way, why, wherefore… etc.

Example: When will you come home?

9). Relative Adverbs

When interrogative adverbs are used to join (combine) the two sentences, they are called Relative Adverbs.

Example: I remember the day on which we first met.