Adverb

An adverb tells us when, where, how, in what manner, or to what extent an action is performed.

Examples  : 

• When: He ran yesterday.
• Where: He ran here.
• How: He ran quickly.
• In what manner: He ran barefoot.
• To what extent: He ran fastest.

An adverb will typically modify a verb, but an adverb can also modify an adjective or another adverb.

For example:

He is an extremely nice chap.
She can run extremely quickly.

 

Types of Adverbs :

Adverbs of Time

An adverb of time tells us when an action occurs.
For example:

• Press the button now.
(now - adverb of time)
• I have never been.
(never - adverb of time)
• I tell him daily.
(daily - adverb of time)
• I tell him on a daily basis.
(on a daily basis - adverb of time)
(Remember, an adverb can be more than one word.)

Adverbs of Place

An adverb of place tells us where an action occurs.
For example:

• Daisies grow everywhere.
(everywhere - adverb of place)
• I did not put it there.
(there - adverb of place)
• I did not put it in the box.
(in the box - adverb of place)

Adverbs of Manner

An adverb of manner tells us how an action occurs.
For example:

• He passed the re-sit easily.
(easily - adverb of manner)
• The lion crawled stealthily.
(stealthily - adverb of manner)
• The lion crawled like an escaped convict.
(like an escaped convict - adverb of manner)

Adverbs of Degree

An adverb of degree tells us to what degree action occurs.
For example:

• That is the farthest I have ever jumped.
(farthest - adverb of degree)
• He boxed more cleverly.
(more cleverly - adverb of degree and manner.)

The adverb categories above are relatively simple. The next adverb categories are a little more complicated:

Adverbs of Condition

An adverb of condition tells us the condition needed before the main idea comes into effect. (An adverb of condition often starts with if or unless.
For example:

• If it rains, the party will be ruined.
(If it rains - adverb of condition)
• I will not talk unless you apologize.
(unless you apologize - adverb of condition)

Adverbs of Concession

An adverb of concession contrasts with the main idea. An adverb of concession often starts with a subordinating conjunction like though, although, even though, while, whereas, and even if.
For example:

• Although her face is an odd shape, she is undoubtedly beautiful.
(Although her face is an odd shape - adverb of concession)
• A loud voice cannot compete with a clear voice, even if it's a whisper. (Barry Neil Kaufman)
(even if it's a whisper - adverb of concession)

Adverbs of Reason

An adverb of reason gives a reason for the main idea. An adverb of reason usually starts with a subordinating conjunctions like as, because, given, or since.
For example:

• Given today's strong tide, you should expect a tough swim.
(Given today's strong tide - adverb of reason)
• I don't have a bank account because I don't know my mother's maiden name. (Paula Poundstone).
(because I don't know my mother's maiden name - adverb of reason)