An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It adds more detail to how, when, where, or to what extent an action is performed.
An adverb is a word that describes or gives more information about a verb (action), adjective (describing word), or another adverb.
Example:
She runs quickly.
Here, quickly tells us how she runs — it modifies the verb runs.
Types of Adverbs
There are several types of adverbs, each serving a specific purpose:
a. Adverbs of Manner – How something happens
Examples: quickly, slowly, happily, angrily
She danced gracefully.
b. Adverbs of Time – When something happens
Examples: now, later, yesterday, tomorrow
He will call you later.
c. Adverbs of Place – Where something happens
Examples: here, there, outside, upstairs
They are playing outside.
d. Adverbs of Frequency – How often something happens
Examples: always, never, often, sometimes
She always finishes her homework on time.
e. Adverbs of Degree – To what extent or how much
Examples: very, too, quite, almost
He is very intelligent.
Adverb Placement in a Sentence
Adverbs can appear in different places depending on what they modify:
Beginning: Clearly, she was upset.
Middle: She usually goes to school at 8.
End: He reads quietly in the library.
Adverb placement can sometimes change the meaning or emphasis of a sentence.
Adverb vs. Adjective
An adjective describes a noun, while an adverb describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
She is a quick runner. → “quick” = adjective (describes runner)
She runs quickly. → “quickly” = adverb (describes runs)
Common Mistakes with Adverbs
She speaks good. (wrong)
She speaks well. (right)
(“Good” is an adjective; “well” is the correct adverb)He did it perfect. (wrong)
He did it perfectly. (right)
Practice Sentences
Fill in the blanks with suitable adverbs:
He ________ completed his work. (quickly)
I will visit my grandma ________. (tomorrow)
She sings ________. (beautifully)
We go to the gym ________. (daily)
Adverbs are powerful tools that add depth, detail, and clarity to sentences. They help us express how, when, where, how often, and to what extent something happens. By understanding and using adverbs correctly, learners can greatly improve their spoken and written English.