What is an adverb?

An adverb is a word which modifies or adds to the meaning of a verb an adjective or another adverb.
Adverbs may be divided according to their use into the following classes.

Adverb of time

Before, now, since, than, already, soon etc...
e.g.: She has been here before

Adverb of place

Here, there, everywhere, nowhere, somewhere.
e.g.: Susan came here yesterday.

Adverb of manner

Badly, easily, slowly, timely, kindly, rapidly, nicely, foolishly.
e.g.: The teacher quickly answered the question.

Adverb of before

Almost, much, only, quit, very, rather...
e.g.: The add woman whaled very slowly.

Adverb of number

Once, twice, thrice
e.g.: He ran twice round the field.

Adverb of questioning

Where? When? How?
e.g.: When did you see him?

Adverb of affirmative or negative

Yes, no, not, certainly
e.g.: She can certainly eat.
I have not read the book.

Many adverbs are often used as connecting word and therefore become conjunctions. The majority of adverbs are formed from corresponding adjectives by adding "ly".
e.g.: quickly; bravely; seriously; happily; easily; slowly; quietly; angrily; fatally.

Adverbs are compared in the same ways adjectives. As most adverbs are two syllable word or longer they generally from the comparative and superlative by adding "more" and "most" to the positive.

Regular and irregular adverbs

Some common verbs with suitable adverbs

• waited - patiently; anxiously
• wept - bitterly; sadly; touchingly
• spoke - clearly; slowly; loudly
• spent - foolishly; stupidly; freely
• smiled - happily; broadly
• slept - badly; quietly
• remembered - clearly; distinctly
• ran - quickly; slowly
• listened - attentively; carefully
• left - hurriedly; quietly; happily
• explained - loudly; clearly
• ate - hungrily; greedily; quickly; slowly
• answer - correctly; immediately; exactly
• walked - rapidly; slowly