Adverbs

Modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs

The 4 questionsAll adverbs fall into four categories:

HOW WHEN

WHERE TO WHAT EXTENT

Example: slowly Example: now

Example: here Example: completely

Adverbs modifying verbsAdverbs may appear almost anywhere in a sentence. Sometimes they will appear in the middle of a verb phrase. People tend to use many of the same adverbs in writing and speaking, so over time you will probably begin to recognize them. I used some adverbs here in this PowerPoint! That is too cool! I am very proud of myself.

Examples of adverbs modifying verbs:

Slowly the man crawled down. (Slowly = how he crawled, modifying the verb crawled.Down = where he crawled, also modifying the verb crawled.)

Keisha has already completed her part of the project.(Already = when she completed, modifying the verb phrase has completed.)

Many students did not understand the directions(Not = to what extent they understood, modifying the verb phrase did understand.

Adverbs modifying adjectives

Adverbs modifying adjectives

Our committee is especially busy this time of year.(Especially = to what extent the committee is busy, modifying busy)

An unusually fast starter, Karen won the race.(unusually = to what extent Karen is fast, modifying the adjective fast.)

My parents were very proud of me after my performance.(very = to what extent the parents were proud, modifying the adjective proud.

What adverbs could we use in front of these adjectives?

happy confused destroyed

Adverbs modifying other adverbs

Adverbs modifying other adverbs:

Elena finished the problem more quickly than I did.(more = to what extent Elena was quick)

Our guest left quite abruptly.(quite = to what extent the guest left in an abrupt manner)

The clerk very calmly told the customer that he’d have to go to customer service for a refund.(very = to what extent the customer said the words in a calm manner)

Nouns or Adverbs?Some words can be used as nouns or adverbs. Remember that a noun will just be naming a person, place, thing, or idea, while an adverb will be telling how, when, where, or to what extent.

They returned to their home. (Noun)They returned home before noon. (Adverb, telling where they returned)

Yesterday was a good day. (Noun – the subject of the sentence)The teacher reviewed what had been covered yesterday. (Adverb, telling when the teacher covered.)

PracticeIdentify the adverb in each sentence, indicating what each adverb modifies with an arrow.

1. I lived here in 1974.

2. I never enjoy cold coffee in the morning.

3. Seeing Elvis in concert would have been a very big thrill!

4. That movie about the flood was too sad.

5. I tried to call you yesterday after the game.

6. That painting is nicely done, and I want to buy it.

7. All Bulldogs are extremely competitive athletes, so watch out!

8. It is only two o’clock, but I want to eat supper now.

9. The bus will leave for St. Louis tomorrow.

10. My father gives overly detailed directions.