2 Adverbs

You use adverbs of frequency to describe how often something happens. Here are some common adverbs of frequency: always, frequently, never, normally, occasionally, often, rarely, sometimes, usually.

Adverbs of frequency usually go before the verb in a sentence, after the subject.Some people never listen.She rarely goes out these days.

With the verb be, the adverb usually goes after the verb:Karen was always happy.He is often late for work.

With modal or auxiliary verbs, the order is: subject + modal/auxiliary verb + adverb + verb.I’ve never been to Greece.You can sometimes see the sea from here.

Some adverbs of frequency can go at the beginning of a sentence.Sometimes you can see the sea from here.Usually, I start work at eight.

In formal written English, the adverbs never, rarely and seldom can go at the beginning of a sentence, for emphasis. In this case, the word order changes to: adverb + auxiliary verb + subject + verb.Seldom had I experienced such sadness.Rarely do you see talent like hers.

Adverbs that refer to a definite frequency, for example monthly, daily or weekly, go after the verb.Most people get paid monthly.

You use adverbs of manner to describe how something happens. They usually go after the verb, or after the object, if there is one.He works hard.She smiled sweetly.She speaks English well.He finished his meal quickly.

Adverbs of manner ending in -ly can also go between the subject and verb, or at the beginning of a sentence, for emphasis.She slowly walked across the room.Slowly, she walked across the room.

Here are some common adverbs of place: here, there, home, abroad, inside, upstairs, around. Adverbs of place usually go at the end of a sentence.I’ll see you there.Have you ever been abroad?

They can also go at the beginning of the sentence, for emphasis.Here, we do things a little differently.

Here are some common adverbs of time: today, tomorrow, yesterday, before, soon. Adverbs of time usually go at the end of a sentence.I haven’t seen Mick today.We’re leaving tomorrow.

They can also go at the beginning of the sentence, for emphasis.Today, we’re staying at home.Soon, things will be different.

Adverbs of certainty show how confident the writer or speaker is about the truth of something. Here are some common adverbs of certainty: definitely, probably, certainly, obviously, clearly, perhaps, maybe.

Adverbs of certainty usually go before the verb in a sentence, or after an auxiliary or modal verb.He probably thinks you are wrong.They’ll definitely win on Saturday.She is probably still at the shops.He is definitely in favour of the idea.

Perhaps and maybe usually go at the beginning of the sentence.Maybe she didn’t get your message.Perhaps he missed his bus.

Some adverbs of certainty (e.g. clearly, presumably, apparently) can behave as sentence adverbs – they relate to the whole of a sentence. They can express the speaker’s attitude on what is being said or written. In this case, they usually go at the beginning or end of the sentence.Clearly, something has gone wrong.He’s retired now, presumably.

You use adverbs of degree to make adjectives and adverbs stronger or weaker. Here are some common adverbs of degree: fairly, extremely, absolutely, utterly, highly, totally, completely, entirely, really, very, quite, rather.The information was really helpful.She works fairly quickly.

You often use adverbs of degree with ungradable adjectives/adverbs, to refer to extreme qualities that we don’t usually grade or compare.Her performance was absolutely amazing.Keith’s plan worked really brilliantly!