Level Four
Lesson 47
adverbs in English
An adverb is a word that gives information (or modifies) verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
- That’s so nice! (The word “so” is an adverb for the adjective “nice.”)
- He’s speaking too loudly. (The words “too” and “loudly” are both adverbs for the verb, “is speaking.”)
- The Mall of America is an incredibly popular tourist destination. (The word “incredibly” modifies “popular.”)
adverbs in English
47a. Adverbs are everywhere in English.
Some adverbs are identified by and “ly” ending, but many small words in English may function as adverbs. Adverbs indicate degree, frequency, speed, method, and other qualities.
- I’m working as quickly as I can. (The word “quickly” modifies “am working.” How am I working?)
- Their house is so big! (The word “so” is an adverb for the adjective “big.” How big is their house?)
- She’s not here. She’s never here. (Negative words such as “not” and “never” are adverbs. When is she here?)
47a. Examples
- They are whispering quietly.
- subject = they
- verb = are whispering
- adverb = quietly
- The turbine is almost always turning.
- subject = the turbine
- verb = is turning
- adverb = almost
- adverb = always
47b. Adverbs modify verbs.
Most adverb that modify verbs have an “ly” ending, but not always. The ability to choose good adverbs for verbs an indicator of how good a person’s English is. Here are some examples of adverbs that you might hear used with verbs:
quickly, quietly, carefully, carelessly, skillfully, properly, fast, hard, well
- They completed the work quickly.
- She’s working quietly.
- He drives carefully.
- I finished the job fast.
- The car hit the wall hard.
Notice that the adverb often comes after the verb; however, sometimes the adverb appears before the verb: She’s quietly working.
47b. Examples 
- She works fast.
- She works quickly.
- subject = she
- verb = works
- adverb = fast
- adverb = quickly
- They bravely jumped from the plane.
- subject = they
- adverb = bravely
- verb = jumped
- prepositional phrase = from the plane.
47c. Adverbs modify adjectives.
Adverbs that provide information for adjectives indicate degree, amount, or frequency.
so, very, really, certainly, not, never,
- It’s very hot today.
- The plan is not good.
- That’s really exciting.
- This is certainly entertaining.
- I’m so hungry.
47c. Examples
- She feels so tired.
- subject = she
- verb = feels
- adverb = so
- adjective = tired
- He is a very articulate speaker.
- subject = he
- verb = is
- article = a
- adverb = very
- adjective = articulate
47d. Adverbs modify other adverbs.
Descriptive adjectives provide information related to the five senses: smell, touch, sound, taste, and sight.
- The movie ended quite suddenly.
- They travel fairly often.
- These apples are ripening unusually early.
- Planes travel extremely fast.
- Our supervisor is almost never at work.
- She plays the game extremely well.
47d. Examples
- He plays guitar extremely well.
- subject = he
- verb = plays
- object = guitar
- extremely = adverb
- well = adverb
- The alligator waits very patiently.
- subject = the alligator
- verb = waits
- adverb = very
- adverb = patiently
47e. Some adverbs are irregular.
Irregular adverbs may not change at all from the adjective form, while some other adverbs change dramatically.
Well (from “good”)
- Example: She speaks English well.
Fast (same as the adjective “fast”)
- Example: He runs fast.
Hard (same as the adjective “hard”)
- Example: She works hard every day.
Late (same as the adjective “late”)
- Example: They arrived late to the party.
Early (same as the adjective “early”)
- Example: He woke up early this morning.
Far (from “farther” or “further”)
- Example: She can throw the ball far.
High (same as the adjective “high”)
- Example: The plane is flying high in the sky.
Straight (same as the adjective “straight”)
- Example: He drove straight to the office.
Long (from “long”)
- Example: The meeting lasted long.
Deep (same as the adjective “deep”)
- Example: The submarine dove deep into the ocean.
47e. Examples
- He performed well.
- He’s working late.
- She kicked the sand high into the air.
- Their relationship didn’t last very long.