Adverbs~

We have seen that an adjective is a word that gives more information about a noun or pronoun.  An adverb is usually defined as a word that gives more information about a verb, an adjective or another adverb.

1)  Adverbs modify verbs

He spoke rudely to the old man. The waitress smiled pleasantly at the customer. She listened carefully.

2)  Adverbs modify adjectives

The stain on the floor is scarcely noticeable. The old house was clearly visible from the road.

3)  Adverbs modify another adverb

He climbed up very slowly. It is highly unlikely that anyone will believe his story.

Most, but not all adverbs end in –ly. But not all words that end in -ly are adverbs (ugly is an adjective, supply and reply can both be nouns or verbs). Many times an adjective can be made into an adverb by adding -ly as in nicely, quickly, completely, sincerely.

Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives and adverbs in terms of such qualities as time, frequency and manner. Adverbs of time tell when something happens and adverbs of frequency tell how often something happens.  Below are some common adverbs of time and frequency which you should learn:

Do it now. I will see you then. They will be here soon.       I can't meet you today. Let's go tomorrow.     They told me yesterday.      Have you travelled recently? I always do my homework We sometimes get confused. He usually gets good grades. I never went skiing. She rarely eats a big breakfast. He was once on TV. He saw the movie twice.