An adverb is a word or clause that typically describes or modifies a verb (He ate noisily), but can also modify an adjective (She is extremely short) or another adverb (He sang exceptionally poorly). In fact, an adverb can be used to modify anything, except a noun. This includes phrases (almost out of sight), participles (a well-earned vacation) clauses, and pronouns (nearly everyone).
Here are common uses of adverbs:
- To indicate location (here, far, there, nearby, upstairs, downstairs, below, etc.).
- Don't go there.
- He went downstairs.
- She lives nearby.
- To tell time (now, soon, later, early, still, ago, yet, today, afterwards, etc.)
- They left recently.
- The class will commence soon.
- He had eaten already.
- To tell the number of times an action occurs.
- She has purchased a new car twice.
- They returned to the city once.
- It happened again.
- To tell the frequency of an action.
- She shops weekly.
- He seldom shops.
- They never study.
- To tell how an action is performed.
- She can dance well.
- He drives slowly.
- They speak loudly.
- To describe the intensity of an action.
- It barely functions.
- It could scarcely stand.
- Is it really cooked?
- To describe an adjective or another adverb.
- She is extremely intelligent.
- They are rather quick.
- The film was very good.
For comparative and superlative forms, Click Here.
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