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What is an adverb?

Updated: May 5, 2023

When it comes to word classes, I think that adverbs are definelty the hardest to get your head around. That isn't because they're complicated (although they might seem that way in the beginning), it's because at school it was drilled into my head that an adverb is a word that ends in 'ly'. Which to an extent is true, there are plenty of adverbs that end in an 'ly' but that's not what an adverb is...


So, what is an adverb?


An adverb is a word that describes a verb.


And I think this is where the whole 'ly' thing came from.


She ran quickly


He loudly sang across the room


She spoke clearly



Simple right?


Yes, but I'm not finished... There is so much more to adverbs that just 'ly' words. Adverbs not only describe a verb, they can tell us how, where, when a verb is done and can also be used to modify adjectives and other adverbs too.


I think it's important to remember that, an adverbs job is to provide information to other words. So keep that in mind while you're trying to navigate through the complicated world of adverbs.


Here are the most common types of adverbs: (unfortunately there's a few more less common ones...)



Adverbs of Time


When?


Today, next week, yesterday, tomorrow, last week, next year, everyday, recently, lately


Tomorrow I am going to the shops


I go to the market everyday



Adverbs of Place


Where?


Over there, under, over, outside, inside, in the house...


I left my phone at home


I saw the dog's ball under the table



Adverbs of Manner


How?


(This is where the 'ly' comes in) Most of them end it 'ly' BUT not all of them.


Quickly, strongly, cheaply, fast



Adverbs of Frequency


How much?


Always, never, rarely, sometimes, normally, usually, again



Adverbs of Degree


What level?


Almost, just, quite, nearly, too, enough, hardly, simply, so


I'm so tired, I almost fell asleep


I'm just going to have a look



Adverbial Phrases


It's important to note that sometimes an adverb isn't just one word.


Just in time


Please can you get here as quick as possible


In the mean time, you should stay here with me



As you can see, when it comes to adverbs there is a lot to remember. It's definelty a lot to know but it's not essential. If you don't fully understand adverbs, it's not going to ruin your chances at being a great writer. However, I think it's important to know that adverbs are more than just an 'ly' word.


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