What are adverbs?
Adverbs are words like now, then, today, tomorrow and carefully. An adverb modifies the meaning of a verb, an adjective or another adverb. Read the following sentences:
Alice smiled sweetly.
Those mangoes were very sweet.
He spoke quite loudly.
In sentence 1, the adverb quickly shows how (or in what manner) Alice smiled. It modifies the verb smiled.
In sentence 2, the adverb very says something about the sweetness of the mangoes. It modifies the adjective sweet.
In sentence 3, quite says something about the manner in which he spoke. It modifies the adverb loudly.
Note that adverbs standing at the beginning of sentences sometimes modify the whole sentence, rather than a particular word.
- Unfortunately no one was present there. (= It was unfortunate that no one was present there.)
- Probably I am mistaken. (= It is probable that I am mistaken.)
Kinds of adverbs
There are very many kinds of adverbs.
Adverbs of time
Adverbs of time answer the question ‘when’. Examples are: today, yesterday, now, before, daily, already, since, ago, never etc.
- I met him yesterday.
- His father died two years ago.
- I have seen him before.
- They have already come.
- We will have to start now.
Adverbs of frequency
Adverbs of frequency answer the question ‘how often’. Examples are: often, always, once, never, again, seldom, frequently etc.
- We seldom go out on Sundays.
- I have seen him only once.
- He called again this morning.
- We must always try to do our best.
Adverbs of place
Adverbs of place answer the question ‘where’. Examples are: here, there, up, down, everywhere, out, in etc.
- She sat down.
- He looked up.
- I searched for him everywhere.
- Come in.
Adverbs of manner
Adverbs of manner answer the question ‘how’ or ‘in what manner’. Note that this class includes nearly all those adverbs ending in -ly. Examples are:
quickly, carefully, sweetly, clearly, bravely, beautifully, well, fast etc.
- The soldiers fought bravely.
- This essay is well written.
- she walked slowly.
- The baby slept soundly.
Adverbs of degree or quantity
Adverbs of degree answer the question ‘how much’ or ‘in what degree’ or ‘to
what extent’. Examples are: very, too, fully, quite, rather, enough, any, partly, almost, utterly, as, entirely etc.
- That was very tragic.
- I have almost finished.
- He was rather busy.
- Is he any good?
- You are partly right.
- You are entirely wrong.
Adverbs of reason
Adverbs of reason answer the question ‘why?’. Examples are: therefore, hence, consequently etc.
- Consequently he refused to go.
- Therefore they decided to boycott the meeting.
- He is hence unable to refute the charge.
Adverbs of affirmation or negation
Examples are: surely, certainly, not, probably, indeed etc.
- You are certainly right.
- I am not going.
- He is a fool indeed.
Interrogative adverbs
Adverbs which are used for asking questions are called interrogative adverbs. Examples are: when, where, how, why etc.
- When will you go to New York? (Interrogative adverb of time)
- How long will you stay here? (Interrogative adverb of time)
- Where are my keys? (Interrogative adverb of place)
- How often does the committee meet? (Interrogative adverb of number)
- How did he behave? (Interrogative adverb of manner)
- How far did he go? (Interrogative adverb of quantity)
- Why did you resign? (Interrogative adverb of reason)
Relative adverbs
Read the following sentences:
Do you know the place where the meeting will be held?
In this sentence, where is an adverb as it modifies the verb will be held. Where is also a relative as it connects the two clauses of the sentence and at the same time refers back to its antecedent, place. Where is therefore called a relative adverb. Note that a relative adverb connects an adjective clause to the main clause.
Position of adverbs
Adverbs of manner which answer the question ‘how?’ normally comes immediately after the verb or after the object if there is one.
- It is raining heavily.
- She combed her hair gently. (NOT She combed gently her hair.)
- She speaks English well. (NOT She speaks well English.)
- He walked slowly.
Adverbs of place (e.g. here, there, everywhere, nowhere, on the roof etc.) and adverbs of time (now, then, today, tomorrow, next week etc.) are usually placed after the verb or after the object if there is one.
- I saw him yesterday.
- I looked everywhere but couldn’t find anything.
- Hang the picture there.
- They are coming next week.
When two or more adverbs modify the same verb, they usually come in the following order: adverbs of manner, adverbs of place, adverbs of time.
- We will go there tomorrow evening.
- He performed well at the concert last night.
Adverbs of frequency which answer the question ‘how often’ (e.g. always, often, rarely, frequently etc.) and some other adverbs like hardly, almost, nearly, just, quite etc., 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, the adverb comes after the first word.
- You never visit us.
- I have always wanted to be a writer.
- I have often told him to mend his ways.
- We usually have breakfast at night.
If the verb is a form of be (is/am/are/was/were) these adverbs are placed after the verb.
- I am never late for office.
- We are just off.
Adverbs are usually placed before the auxiliaries have to and used to.
- He always used to agree with me.
- I often have to wake up early in the morning.
An adverb modifying an adjective or another adverb normally comes before the word it modifies.
- She was quite tired.
- He is a rather lazy boy.
Adverbs should be placed next to the word or words they modify.
- He had almost got to the top when the rope broke. (Here the adverb almost modifies the verb got.)
As a general rule, the adverb only should come immediately before the word it modifies.
- I solved only two problems.
- Only John managed to solve the problem.
- Praise them only when the deserve it.
In spoken English, only is usually placed before the verb. The intended meaning is conveyed by stressing the word which only modifies.
- He only solved two problems. (The word two is stressed.)
Two negatives destroy each other. Hence they should not be placed in the same sentence unless our intention is to make an affirmation.
- I haven’t got any money. (NOT I haven’t got no money.)
- I could not find him anywhere. (NOT I could not find him nowhere.)
- Hardly anyone believes in such ghost stories these days. (NOT Hardly no one believes in such ghost stories these days.)
Adjectives can’t be used to modify verbs.
- He ate the cake greedily. (NOT He ate the cake greedy.)
- You will pay dearly (not dear) for this.
Greedy and dear are adjectives. They can’t be used to modify the verbs ate and pay.
Else should be followed by but, not than.
- It is nothing else but prejudice.
Special uses of some adverbs
Very
Very is commonly used before an adjective or another adverb in the positive degree. It means ‘to a great extent’.
- She is very beautiful. (with adjective)
- It is very hot. (with adjective)
- He did it very nicely. (with adverb)
- She is very sweet. (with adjective)
- He wrote the letter very carefully. (with adverb)
Very can be used with a present participle (e.g. running, singing, reading, playing etc.) used as an adjective.
- It was very amusing.
When used with well very shows agreement or assent.
- Very well doctor, I will give up smoking.
Very can be used with a superlative or ‘own’. It means ‘in the highest degree’ or ‘absolutely’.
- She is the very best singer here.
- This tea is of the very best quality.
- Keep this present for your very own. (absolutely for your own use)
Very with much
Very is often used before much.
- Thank you very much.
Much
Much is commonly used before an adjective or adverb in the comparative or superlative degree. Note that very is used with an adjective or adverb in the positive degree.
- She is much taller than her brother.
- This is much better than that.
Much can be used before a past participle in the passive form. Very is used before a present participle.
- I was much surprised to hear the news.
- I am much interested in this program.
Notes:
Very is also used before a few past participles.
- I am very tired.
- They were very pleased to meet us.
Too
Too is used to mean ‘more than is required’.
- You ate too much.
- He is too fat.
- It is too hot to go out.
- He is too weak to move about.
- The news is too good to be true.
Too is often followed by to.
- I was too tired to do any work. (= I was so tired that I could not do any work.)
Too has a negative meaning. It should not be used in the general sense of very.
- She is very beautiful. (NOT She is too beautiful.)
Too has similar meanings to also and as well.
- She is not only beautiful; she is also intelligent.
- She is not only beautiful; she is intelligent as well.
- She is not only beautiful; she is intelligent too.
Enough
Enough shows the ‘proper limit’ or ‘amount’. It is placed after the adjective or adverb it qualifies.
- He is rich enough to buy a car.
- She is old enough to be a grand mother.
- He solved the problem quickly enough to pass the test.
Notes
Enough is the opposite of too.
Compare:
- It is hot enough (= to the degree required) to go swimming. (We can go swimming.)
- It is too hot (= more than required) to go swimming. (We can’t go swimming.)
Yes and No
If the answer is ‘yes’, the following verb must be in the affirmative.
If the answer is ‘no’, the following verb must be in the negative.
- ‘Are you coming?”Yes, I am.’
- ‘Are you coming?’ ‘No, I am not.’
- ‘Is it raining?’ ‘Yes, it is.’
- ‘Is it hot enough?’ ‘No, it isn’t.’
- ‘Did you meet him at the conference?’ ‘Yes, I did.’
- ‘Has he received our letter?’ ‘No, he hasn’t.’
Adverb phrases
We have already seen that a group of words called an adjective phrase can serve the same purpose as an adjective. In the same way, an adverb phrase can do the work of an adverb.
Study the following examples.
- He spoke politely. (Here the adverb politely says something about the manner in which he spoke.)
- He spoke in a polite manner. (Here the adverb phrase ‘in a polite manner’ also says how he spoke.)
Thus we have seen that an adverb phrase modifies a verb just like an adverb does.
- It is available now.
- It is available at the moment.
In the pair of sentences given above, the adverb phrase ‘at the moment’ modifies the verb just like the adverb now does.
Definition
An adverb phrase is a group of words that serves the same purpose as an adverb. Like an adverb, an adverb phrase can also modify an adjective or another adverb.
Some adverbs and their equivalent adverb phrases are given below.
- Bravely (adverb) – in a brave manner (adverb phrase)
- Beautifully – in a beautiful manner / way / style
- Formerly – in former times / once upon a time
- Recently – just now or at a recent date
- Soon – before very long
- Here – on this spot
- Everywhere – in all places
- Now – at the moment
Position of Adverbs – Detailed Rules
Different kinds of adverbs go in different positions in a sentence. Here are
some general rules.
Adverbs cannot go between a verb and its object.
- He speaks English well. (NOT He speaks well English.)
- I often visit my parents. (NOT I visit often my parents.)
An adverb particle (e.g. up, down, off, on etc.) can go between a verb and
its object.
- She switched off the light. OR She switched the light off.
An adverb can go in three positions:
1. At the beginning of a clause
2. With the verb (mid-position)
3. At the end of the a clause
Many adverbs can go in all three positions. Some adverbs can go in mid- and
end positions. Longer adverb phrases do not usually go in mid-position.
Adverbs that can go at the beginning of a clause
Adverbs which join a clause to what came before usually go at the beginning.
Examples are: however, then, next, besides, anyway etc.
- Some of us wanted to go on a picnic; however, John did not like the idea.
- He finished his work. Then he went home.
Mid-position is also possible in a formal style.
- He then went home.
- He, however, didn’t like the idea.
The adverbs usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes and occasionally can go at the beginning or end of a clause.
- Sometimes I think I should find a better job.
- Often I get headaches.
Adverbs of place can also go at the beginning of a clause, especially in
literary writing.
- At the end of the street there was a toy store.
The adverb too
Too is an adverb. It is used before adjectives without nouns and before adverbs.
- I arrived too late.
- You are too generous.
Too and too much
Too much cannot be used before adverbs and adjectives without nouns.
- She is too fat. (NOT She is too much fat.)
Too with other determiners
Too is not normally used before adjective + noun.
- I could not lift the bag because it was too heavy. (NOT I could not lift the too heavy bag.)
- I could not solve the problem – it was too difficult. (NOT I could not solve the too difficult problem.)
Structures with too
An infinitive can be used after too + adjective / adverb.
- It is too hot to go out.
- He is too old to work.
If the infinitive has its own subject, it is usually introduced by for.
- It is too early for the shops to be open.
Note that object pronouns are not normally used after the infinitive in this structure.
- The tea is too hot to drink. (NOT The tea is too hot to drink it.)
Note that object pronouns can be used in structures with for.
- The tea is too hot for us to drink. OR The tea is too hot for us to drink it.
Too and very
Too is different from very. Too has a negative meaning. It means ‘more than enough’ or ‘more than is wanted’.
- She is very beautiful. (NOT She is too beautiful.)
- He is very intelligent. (NOT He is too intelligent.)
Notes
In informal English, too is sometimes used to mean ‘very’.
- That was too kind of you. (= That was very kind of you.)
Adverb clauses of time and place
An adverb clause serves the purpose of an adverb. There are different kinds of adverb clauses.
Adverb clauses of time
Adverb clauses of time are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like when, whenever, before, after, as, since, till, once and now that.
- Whenever I get an idea for a story, I jot it down in a notebook.
- When you heat ice, it melts.
- After the match ended, we left for our homes.
- As the chief guest arrived, we all stood up.
- I will wait until you have finished dressing.
- Sunday is the day when I am least busy.
- Whenever I go to London, I stay with my brother.
Once and now that are sometimes used as conjunctions in adverb clauses of time.
- Once you have made a decision, you must stick to it.
- Now that winter has come, we must buy some woollen clothes.
Adverb clauses of place
Adverb clauses of place are introduced by the conjunctions where and wherever.
- Wherever you go, you will find coca cola.
- Where there is a will, there is a way.
- That is the place where I was born.
- This is the house where I live in.
In informal English, everywhere is sometimes used instead of wherever.
- Everywhere we went, people greeted us warmly. (= Wherever we went, people greeted us warmly.)
Adjectives or adverbs? confusing cases
Adjectives ending in -ly
Most adverbs end in -ly. There are also some adjectives ending in -ly. Examples are: costly, cowardly, deadly, friendly, likely, lively, lonely, lovely, silly, ugly etc.
- She is a lovely girl. (Here lovely is an adjective. It modifies the noun girl.)
- I love his friendly nature. (Here the adjective friendly modifies the noun nature.)
There are no adverbs friendly / friendlily, lovely / lovelily etc.
Some words can be used both as adjectives and as adverbs. Examples are: daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, early, leisurely etc.
- We should catch an early train. (Here early is an adjective. It modifies the noun train.)
- I got up early. (Here early is an adverb. It modifies the verb got up.)
Adjectives and adverbs with the same form
Some adjectives and adverbs have the same form. Examples are: fast and hard.
- A fast car goes fast.
- If you do hard work, you work hard.
In some cases, the adverb may have two forms: one like the adjective and the other ending in -ly. There is usually a difference of meaning or use.
Examples are: dead and deadly, fine and finely, free and freely, hard and hardly etc.
The adverb dead is used in some expressions to mean ‘exactly’ or ‘very’.
- He was dead drunk.
Note that deadly is an adjective meaning ‘fatal’. The adverb for this meaning is fatally.
- She was fatally injured in the accident. (NOT She was deadly injured in the accident.)
Fine and finely
The adverb fine means ‘well’. It is used in some informal expressions.
- She is doing fine.
The adverb finely is used to talk about small careful adjustments.
- finely ground particles
- a finely tuned machine
Free and freely
The adverb free means ‘without payment’. The adverb freely means ‘without restriction’.
- Buy two shirts and get one free.
- Speak freely. (= Speak without fear or inhibition.)
Hard and hardly
The adverb hard has a similar meaning to the adjective hard.
- He works hard.
- Hit it hard.
Hardly has a negative meaning. It means ‘almost not’.
- We have got hardly any rice left.
High and highly
High is used to talk about height. Highly often means ‘very much’.
- He threw it as high as he could.
- It is highly amusing.
Late and lately
The adverb late has a similar meaning to the adjective late. Lately means ‘recently’.
- He arrived late.
- Have you read anything interesting lately?
Most and mostly
Most is the superlative form of much.
- This is the most interesting film I have ever seen.
Most can mean ‘very’ in a very formal style.
- It is a most interesting novel. (= It is a very interesting novel.)
Mostly means ‘mainly’.
- My friends are mostly vegetarians.
Real and really
In informal American English, real is often used instead of really.
- She sings real well. (= She sings really well.)
Adverb clauses
Study the following sentences.
- They started in the morning. (Started when? – in the morning)
- They started before the sun rose. (started when? – before the sun rose)
It is clear that in sentence 1 and sentence 2 the groups of words in italics do the work of an adverb as they modify the verb started, showing when the action was performed.
Here the group of words ‘in the morning’ is an adverb phrase. It does not have a subject or a predicate of its own. It makes sense, but not complete sense.
Now consider the group of words ‘before the sun rose’. It has a subject and a predicate of its own. Still, it is not a complete sentence. In fact, it is part of a large sentence.
Such a group of words which forms part of a sentence, and has a subject and a predicate of its own is called a clause.
Since the clause ‘before the sun rose’ does the work of an adverb it is called an adverb clause.
More examples are given below.
- Start when you are ready. (Adverb clause – when you are ready)
- Will you wait till I return? (Adverb clause – till I return)
- If you make a promise, you must keep it. (Adverb clause – if you make a promise)
- I shall remain where I am. (Adverb clause – where I am)
- Just as he entered the room the clock struck twelve. (Adverb clause – just as he entered the room)
- He finished first though he started late. (Adverb clause – though he started late)
Adverb clauses of purpose
Adverb clauses of purpose are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions that, so that, in order that and lest.
- We eat that we may live.
- He works hard so that he will become a millionaire.
- Put on your warm clothes lest you should catch a chill.
- Schools were closed early in order that students might reach home before the thunderstorm.
Notes
In an informal style, so that is more common than in order that.
These expressions are usually followed by modal auxiliary verbs such as will, can or may.
- She wants to study in England so that she can perfect her English.
- We are starting now so that we will reach there before sunset.
In an informal style that can be dropped after so; this is very common in American English.
- I have come early so that I can meet you. OR I have come early so I can meet you.
Lest means that…not, and, therefore, it will be wrong to add another not in the following clause. Moreover it should be noted that the only auxiliary verb that can be used after lest is should.
- Reserve your tickets early lest you miss the chance. OR Reserve your tickets early lest you should miss the chance. (NOT Reserve your tickets early lest you do not miss the chance.)
Adverb clauses of cause or reason
Adverb clauses of cause or reason are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions because, as, since and that.
- I sing because I like singing.
- He thinks he can get anything because he is rich.
- Since he has apologized we will take no further action against him.
- As he was not there I left a message with his mother.
- I am glad that you have come.
- My parents were disappointed that I didn’t get the scholarship.
- He was furious that his book was panned by most reviewers.
Notes
The conjunction that is often omitted.
- I am glad you like it. OR I am glad that you like it.
- They were disappointed you weren’t in. OR They were disappointed that you weren’t in.
As and since are used when the reason is already known to the listener.
- As it is raining again we will have to cancel the match.
As and since-clauses are relatively formal. In an informal style, the same idea can be expressed with so.
- It is raining again, so we will have to cancel the match.
Because-clauses are used to give information which isn’t already known to the reader or listener.
- Because he had not paid the bill, his electricity was cut off.
Note that a because-clause can stand alone. As and since-clauses cannot be used like this.
- ‘Why are you looking at her like that?’ ‘Because she smiled at me.’ (NOT As she smiled at me.) (NOT Since she smiled at me.)
Adverb clauses of condition
Adverb clauses of condition are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions if, whether, provided that, so long as and unless.
- If I like it, I will buy it.
- If you heat ice, it melts.
- If it rains, we will stay at home.
- You may come, if you want to.
- You won’t pass unless you work hard.
- You will be shot unless you give me the keys of the locker.
- There will be no problem provided that you keep your mouth shut.
- You will have to take the medicine whether you like it or not.
You may have noticed that the adverb clause of condition gives the circumstances under which the action in the main clause will take place.
Omission of if
Sometimes the conjunction if is omitted.
- Were the child mine, I would have taken it to a doctor. (= If the child were mine, I would have taken it to a doctor.)
- Should you meet my brother, tell him that I have gone to the railway station. (= If you meet my brother, tell him that I have gone to the railway station.)
Clauses of condition are sometimes introduced by a relative pronoun, or adjective or adverb.
- Whatever happens keep calm.
- However cleverly you may cheat, you will ultimately get caught.
Adverb clauses of result and concession
Adverb clauses of result or consequence are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions that, so…that, so that and such…that.
- The famine was so severe that thousands perished.
- They fought so bravely that the enemy fled.
- He is such a good man that all respect him.
- He spoke in such a low voice that few people could hear him.
That is often omitted.
- She was so weak that she could hardly stand. OR She was so weak she could hardly stand.
- It was so hot we didn’t go out. OR It was so hot that we didn’t go out.
Adverb clauses of concession
Adverb clauses of concession are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions though, although, even though, while, whereas and even if.
- Though I am poor I am honest.
- I will be able to get in although I have no ticket.
- Even if it rains I will come.
- The men managed to survive even though they were three days without water.
- John is very popular among his friends, whereas his brother is a reclusive.
As is sometimes used in the sense of though.
- Young as he is he occupies an important position in the firm. (= Though he is young, he occupies an important position in the firm.)
Adverb clauses of degree or comparison
Adverb clauses of degree or comparison answer the question how much, how little or how many. The chief conjunctions used to introduce adverb clauses of degree are as, as…as, so…as and than.
- She is older than her husband.
- She is as intelligent as she is beautiful.
- You are later than I expected.
- She is as pretty as a doll.
- She is not so intelligent as her sister.
The correlative the…the may also be considered as a conjunction introducing adverb clauses of degree.
- The older you grow the wiser you become.
- The more he earns the more he spends.
Notes
In adverb clauses of degree or comparison, the verb is often understood and not expressed.
- I earn as much as you (do).
- I can sing as well as he (does).
- She is as tall as he (is).
- Nobody knows her better than I (do).
Note that when the verb is not expressed it is more common to use object pronouns after as and than.
Compare:
- I can sing as well as him. OR I can sing as well as he does. (More natural than ‘I can sing as well as he’.)
- Nobody knows her better than me. OR Nobody knows her better than I do. (More natural than ‘Nobody knows her better than I.)
Position of adverbs of certainty and place
We use adverbs of certainty to say how sure we are of something. Examples are: certainly, definitely, clearly, obviously and probably.
Adverbs of certainty usually go in mid-position.
Study the following patterns.
Auxiliary verb + adverb
- She will probably come.
- The train has obviously been delayed.
Am / are / is / was / were + adverb
- She is certainly right.
- There is clearly something wrong.
Adverb + other verb
He probably thinks that he is the smartest. (NOT He thinks probably that …)
- I certainly feel better today.
Grammar notes
Maybe and perhaps usually come at the beginning of a clause.
- Maybe you are right.
- Perhaps he will come.
Adverbs of place
Adverbs of place say where something happens. Examples are: upstairs, around, here, in London, out of the window
Adverbs of place usually go at the end of a clause.
- The children are playing in the garden.
- Don’t throw things out of the window.
- The old man sat in the corner.
- There was a very tall tree at the end of the garden.
Initial position is also possible. This usually happens in a literary style.
- At the end of the garden there was a very tall tree.
Position of adverbs: difference between British and American English
Mid-position adverbs usually go after auxiliary verbs, after am / are / is / was / were and before other verbs.
- She has never written to me.
- The discussion was mainly about politics.
When there are two or more auxiliary verbs, the adverb usually goes after the first.
- You have definitely been working hard.
In American English, mid-position adverbs are often put before auxiliary verbs and am / are / is / was / were, even when the verb is not emphasized.
- You certainly have made him angry. (US)
- You have certainly made him angry. (GB)
- You are always late. (GB)
- You always are late. (US)
- America has long been known as a land of opportunities. (GB)
- America long has been known as a land of opportunities. (US)
In British English, mid-position adverbs can go before auxiliary verbs and am / are / is / was / were when we want to emphasize the auxiliary verbs.
- I am really sorry. (No emphasis on am.)
- I really AM sorry. (Emphasis on AM)
In negative sentences, mid-position adverbs generally come before not if they emphasize the negative.
Compare:
- I really don’t like her. (Strong dislike)
- I don’t really like her. (Mild dislike)
Adverbs exercise
Complete the following sentences using appropriate adverbs. Choose your answers from the options given in the brackets.
1. He was driving ……………………… and crashed into the car in front.
2. …………………….. the tiger appeared from nowhere.
3. The rain poured ………………………. and we took shelter under a tree.
4. The teacher told a funny story and the children laughed ……………………..
5. The dancers performed ……………………. and we all clapped.
6. Why are you shouting ………………………..
7. She has a golden voice. She sings ……………………….
8. Don’t take a decision …………………………… Think it over for sometime.
9. The soldiers fought so …………………….. that the enemy troops fled.
10. If you walk ………………………. you will not reach there in time.
Answers
1. He was driving carelessly and crashed into the car in front.
2. The tiger appeared suddenly from nowhere.
3. The rain poured heavily and we took shelter under a tree.
4. The teacher told a funny story and the children laughed loudly.
5. The dancers performed gracefully and we all clapped.
6. Why are you shouting loudly?
7. She has a golden voice. She sings beautifully.
8. Don’t take a decision hastily. Think it over for sometime.
9. The soldiers fought so bravely that the enemy troops fled.
10. If you walk slowly, you will not reach there in time.
Adverbs of degree exercise
Fill in the blanks with appropriate adverbs of degree. Each question is followed by three suggested answers. Choose the most appropriate one.
Hints
We cannot use very with comparatives. However, we can use other words like much, far, very much, a lot, lots etc. Superlatives can be modified by much, by far and by other adverbs of degree such as quite.
1. The situation is ………………………. serious.
2. You are ……………………….. kind.
3. Today is ……………………… colder than yesterday.
Please select 2 correct answers
4. My boyfriend is …………………………. older than me.
5. I have been to ……………………….. too many countries recently.
6. I like your dress ……………………….
Answers
1. The situation is very serious.
2. You are too kind.
3. Today is much / very much colder than yesterday.
4. My boyfriend is much older than me.
5. I have been to rather too many countries recently.
6. I like your dress very much.
Enough as an adjective and adverb
Enough is one of those words that can be used as an adjective and an adverb. The adverb enough is used to modify an adjective. In this case, it goes after the adjective it modifies.
- She is old enough to earn a living. (NOT She is enough old to earn a living. Here the adverb enough modifies the adjective old.)
- Is it warm enough for you? (NOT Is it enough warm for you?)
- He was kind enough to lend me a few dollars. (NOT He was enough kind to lend me a few dollars.)
- These shoes are not big enough for me.
Enough is often followed by an infinitive structure.
- She is old enough to live on her own.
- She didn’t work hard enough to pass the test.
- We aren’t rich enough to buy a car.
- Some tablet computers are small enough to fit inside your pocket.
- The mangoes aren’t ripe enough to eat.
- She didn’t run fast enough to win.
The infinitive structure can be preceded by for + noun / pronoun.
- It is late enough for the kids to go to bed.
- There was not enough light for us to see what was happening.
When enough is used as an adjective, it modifies a noun. The adjective enough goes before the noun it modifies.
- I have bought enough eggs. (NOT I have bought eggs enough. Here the adjective enough modifies the noun eggs.)
- I didn’t get enough time to write the test. (NOT I didn’t get time enough to write the test.)
Adjective or adverb?
Adjectives are words used to modify nouns. They usually go before nouns. Adjectives may also go after be (is, am, are, was, were) and copular verbs like become, seem, look, feel etc.
- I feel happy. (NOT I feel happily.)
- She seemed excited. (NOT She seemed excitedly.)
- They were upset.
Adverbs are words used to modify verbs. They usually express the manner in which something is done. Adverbs are also used to modify adjectives and other adverbs.
An adverb used to modify an adjective or another adverb usually goes before it. Enough is an exception to this rule. It goes after the adjective or adverb it modifies.
Complete the following sentences using the correct words from those given in brackets.
1. Our team played .................................. yesterday.
2. We have not gathered .................................... enough flowers.
3. The old woman was walking ........................................ past.
4. Come to my office as .......................................... as possible.
5. We had a .................................... great time at the party.
6. Sophia won the first prize ............................................
Answers
1. Our team played well yesterday. (Here the adverb well modifies the verb played.)
2. We have not gathered nearly enough flowers. (Here the adverb nearly modifies the adjective enough.)
3. The old woman was walking slowly past. (Here the adverb slowly modifies the verb walking.)
4. Come to my office as quickly as possible. (Here the adverb quickly modifies the verb come.)
5. We had a really great time at the party. (Here the adverb really modifies the adjective great.)
6. Sophia won the first prize easily. (Here the adverb easily modifies the verb won.)
Adverb clause of time
An adverb clause of time shows when something happens. It is usually introduced by time adverbs. Examples are: before, after, as, when, while, until, as soon as, since, no sooner than, as long as etc. Note that all adverb clauses are subordinate clauses. They cannot stand on their own and must be attached to an independent clause.
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate adverb.
1. I always take a bath ............................... I go to bed.
2. Will you wait here ...................................... I am ready?
3. I was not at home ........................................ he came to see me.
4. Do not disturb me ...................................... I am busy with my work.
5. ..................................... she finished that project, she started working on the next.
6. ........................................... I have finished my work, I will accompany you to the park.
7. ....................................... I think of her, my eyes get misty.
8. I will start ...................................... I am ready.
9. I will not go ..................................... I get my money back.
Answers
- I always take a bath before I go to bed.
- Will you wait here until I am ready?
- I was not at home when he came to see me.
- Do not disturb me when I am busy with my work.
- As soon as she finished that project, she started working on the next.
- After I have finished my work, I will accompany you to the park.
- Whenever I think of her, my eyes get misty.
- I will start when I am ready. (NOT I will start when I will be ready.
- I will not go until I get my money back. (NOT I will not go until I will get my money back.)
Notes
An adverb clause of time can come before or after the main clause. When it comes before the main clause, we usually separate it with a comma. Commas are not necessary when the adverb clause goes after the main clause.
Tense
If you are talking about something that is yet to happen in the future, use a present tense in the adverb clause and a future tense in the main clause.
Adverbs worksheet
Adverbs are words used to modify verbs. Adverbs can also be used to modify adjectives and other adverbs.
Fill in the blanks with a suitable adverb.
1. I ............................... go to bed at 10 o’clock.
2. I have …………………. been to the USA.
3. I have been to Australia just …………………..
4. I ………………….. take a bath before I go to bed.
5. My grandparents live in Kerala. I visit them .......................................
6. My friends are ............................................. non-smokers.
7. I was ....................................... impressed with her performance.
8. I ....................................... go for a walk in the park.
9. I watch English films ....................................
10. They ...................................... go out.
Answers
1. I usually go to bed at 10 o’clock. (adverb of frequency)
2. I have never been to the USA. (frequency adverb)
3. I have been to Australia just once. (frequency)
4. I always take a bath before I go to bed. (frequency)
5. My grandparents live in Kerala. I visit them often. (frequency)
6. My friends are mostly non-smokers. (focusing adverb)
7. I was very impressed with her performance. (degree adverb)
8. I sometimes go for a walk in the park. (frequency adverb)
9. I watch English films occasionally. (frequency adverb)
10. They rarely go out. (frequency adverb)
Using otherwise
Fill in the blanks with if, unless or otherwise.
1. We must hurry up; .................................. we will miss the train.
2. ....................................... we do not hurry up, we will miss the train.
3. ......................................... we hurry up, we will miss the train.
4. You must work hard; ....................................., you will fail the test.
5. ........................................... you do not work hard, you will fail the test.
6. ...................................... you work hard, you will fail the test.
7. You are in love with him. Why do you want to pretend .......................................?
8. I hope she mends her ways. ........................................., she will be sacked.
9. The vaccine has saved tens of thousands of children who would ................................... have died.
10. Of course she is interested in him. ............................................., she wouldn’t be asking about his whereabouts.
Answers
1. We must hurry up; otherwise we will miss the train.
2. If we do not hurry up, we will miss the train.
3. Unless we hurry up, we will miss the train.
4. You must work hard; otherwise, you will fail the test.
5. If you do not work hard, you will fail the test.
6. Unless you work hard, you will fail the test.
7. You are in love with him. Why do you want to pretend otherwise?
8. I hope she mends her ways. Otherwise, she will be sacked. (= If she does not mend her ways, she will be sacked.)
9. The vaccine has saved tens of thousands of children who would otherwise have died.
10. Of course she is interested in him. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be asking about his whereabouts.
Notes
The word otherwise can be used in several different ways. Otherwise can be used to introduce the possible outcome of a given situation. The same idea can be expressed using if not or unless. Otherwise can also be used as an ordinary adverb.
Otherwise can mean if not. It is used for saying that if one thing does not happen, something else (usually bad) will happen. Otherwise can also be used to suggest that something is true because the situation will be different if it was not true.
She must be very intelligent; otherwise, she wouldn’t have solved this puzzle.
Otherwise can mean differently.
Governments must ban or otherwise prevent the sale of illicit liquor.
Otherwise can also be used to suggest that something is true except for the fact you have just mentioned.
The train was crowded but otherwise the journey was pleasant.
I am a bit tired but otherwise I am all right.
Adjective or Adverb | Grammar exercise
Some adjectives and adverbs have the same form. Some adverbs have two forms. Complete the following sentences with an appropriate adverb.
1. Can you be there at 5 o'clock ..............................?
2. Don't speak to her so ..............................?
3. It serves you ..........................
4. The ball hit me .............................. on the nose.
5. The baby is sleeping ..............................
6. I ............................. believed that you loved me.
7. I hate arriving .....................................
8. You are working too ..............................
9. Which part of the movie did you like ...............................?
10. My friends are .............................. vegetarians.
11. That arrangement suits me ............................
12. She was ............................. injured in the accident.
Answers
1. Can you be there at 5 o’clock sharp?
2. Don’t speak to her so sharply.
3. It serves you right.
4. The ball hit me right on the nose.
5. The baby is sleeping soundly.
6. I wrongly believed that you loved me.
7. I hate arriving late.
8. You are working too hard.
9. Which part of the movie did you like most?
10. My friends are mostly vegetarians.
11. That arrangement suits me fine.
12. She was fatally injured in the accident.
Adverbs and Adjectives Exercise
Adjectives are words used to modify nouns. Examples are: kind, soft, clever, intelligent and beautiful. Adverbs are words used to modify verbs. Adverbs can also modify adjectives and other adverbs. Examples are: kindly, softly, cleverly, intelligently, only, very, too, tomorrow, early etc.
This grammar exercise tests your ability to use adjectives and adverbs correctly.
1. The evening was …………………. cold.
2. I couldn’t help ………………….. at the joke.
3. I have never seen a more …………………. cricket match.
4. This movie is ……………….. interesting.
Please select 2 correct answers
5. I am ……………… annoyed to hear this.
6. He was ………………. tired that he could barely stand.
7. You must not waste your ………………. earned money.
8. No one can write as ……………….. as he does.
9. I cannot by ……………… means allow you to go.
10. The fish tasted …………………
11. The problem looked ………………….
12. I ………………. having read a more enjoyable book.
Answers
1. The evening was bitterly cold.
2. I couldn’t help but laugh / laughing at the joke.
3. I have never seen a more exciting cricket match.
4. This movie is very / so interesting.
5. I am too annoyed to hear this.
6. He was so tired that he could barely stand.
7. You must not waste your hard-earned money.
8. No one can write as neatly as he does.
9. I cannot by any means allow you to go.
10. The fish tasted awful.
11. The problem looked difficult.
12. I do not remember having read a more enjoyable book.
Adverbs With Two Forms Exercise
Some adverbs have two forms – one like the adjective and the other with -ly.
Complete the following sentences using an adverb of the appropriate form.
1. I will be there at six o’clock ……………..
2. You should not have spoken to your mother so ……………….
3. I ……………… assumed that she was lying.
4. It serves him ………………….
5. The child was sleeping …………………
6. We started …………….. after breakfast.
7. I …………………. believed that she loved me.
8. You guessed ………………
9. My friends are ...................... vegetarians.
10. This is the ……………… unforgettable day of my life.
11. I have ……………… got any new clothes.
12. I haven’t read anything interesting much ……………..
Answers
1. I will be there at six o’clock sharp.
2. You should not have spoken to your mother so sharply.
3. I rightly assumed that she was lying.
4. It serves him right.
5. The child was sleeping soundly.
6. We started right after breakfast.
7. I wrongly believed that she loved me.
8. You guessed wrong.
9. My friends are mostly vegetarians.
10. This is the most unforgettable day of my life.
11. I have hardly got any new clothes.
12. I haven’t read anything interesting much lately.
Adverbs Exercise
Fill in the blanks with an adjective or adverb.
1. Although she works ……………………, she does not earn enough.
2. I am ……………………….. happy to hear this.
3. It ………………………. rained this month.
4. I don’t want to go into …………………….. about how I managed to do this.
5. Chennai can be ……………………… hot in May.
6. A soldier should never behave ……………………..
Please select 2 correct answers
7. I feel …………………………….. about his health.
8. They were ……………………….. injured in the crash.
Please select 2 correct answers
9. I enjoy ………………………………. with my dogs.
10. Although she ran ………………………., she could not win the race.
11. The movie was ………………………….. boring.
12. Read the instructions …………………………..
Answers
1. Although she works hard, she does not earn enough.
2. I am very happy to hear this.
3. It hardly rained this month.
4. I don’t want to go into detail about how I managed to do this.
5. Chennai can be very / too hot in May.
6. A soldier should never behave like a coward / in a cowardly manner.
7. I feel anxious about his health.
8. They were fatally/badly injured in the crash.
9. I enjoy playing with my dogs.
10. Although she ran fast, she could not win the race.
11. The movie was rather / too / quite boring.
12. Read the instructions carefully.
Adverbs Exercise
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate adverb.
1. She worked ………………….. and passed the examination.
2. We ………………….. see a lion.
3. He narrated the incident in ………………………
4. He often comes …………………… to school.
5. I really feel ……………………… about it.
6. He is …………………….. rich.
7. The journey was ………………….. uncomfortable.
8. The lecture was …………………. boring
9. Hardly ……………………. had any rest for weeks.
10. He is getting …………………….. day by day.
11. He plays hockey very ……………………
12. He is not ……………………. to go to school.
Answers
1. She worked hard and passed the examination.
2. We rarely see a lion.
3. He narrated the incident in detail.
4. He often comes late to school.
5. I really feel bad about it.
6. He is very rich.
7. The journey was rather uncomfortable.
8. The lecture was rather boring
9. Hardly have I had any rest for weeks.
10. He is getting better day by day.
11. He plays hockey very well.
12. He is not old enough to go to school.
Adverbs Exercise
Fill in the blanks with an adverb.
1. Snake bites can be ………………………….
2. Tension ran ....................................
3. They treat their servants ....................................
4. I am ..................................... sure that he is involved in this.
5. It was a ……………………….. amusing program.
6. The stone hit him ................................... on the nose.
7. I .......................................... assumed that she wouldn’t come.
8. They left ………………………….. after lunch.
9. 'Can I borrow your car?' '...........................................'
10. The students performed really ……………………………
11. He is always …………………….. for work.
12. I have watched a lot of interesting movies ..........................................
Answers
1. Snake bites can be deadly.
2. Tension ran high.
3. They treat their servants badly.
4. I am dead sure that he is involved in this.
5. It was a highly amusing program.
6. The stone hit him right on the nose.
7. I rightly assumed that she wouldn’t come.
8. They left right after lunch.
9. ‘Can I borrow your car?’ ‘Sure.’
10. The students performed really well.
11. He is always late for work.
12. I have watched a lot of interesting movies lately.
