What Is an Adverb? Definition, List & Examples
Last Updated : 15 Apr, 2025
In this article, we will learn about "Adverbs". A verb, adjective, another adverb, determiner, clause, preposition or sentence is typically modified by an adverb. Adverbs often answer questions like "how," "in what way," "when," "where," and "to what extent" by expressing things like method, place, time, frequency, degree, level of certainty, etc
in enhancing.
What is an Adverb?
A word that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs is known as an adverb. It provides extra details about the sentence's verb. Every word starts with at least one syllable. Adverbs can provide more specific information on time, method, frequency, and other topics.
Example of adverb in Sentence:
- I will call you.
- I will call you shortly.
In the first sentence, it is unclear when I will contact you, but in the second sentence by using the word "Shortly," the sentence becomes more apparent.
Also Read: Adverb Clauses
Types of Adverbs
There are mainly nine types of Adverbs :
Adverb of Manner
Those adverbs which show the method of "to be an action" are called the Adverbs of Manner.
Adverb of Manner Example: Fast, Hard, slow, bravely, foolishly, wisely, loudly, soundly, badly, carefully, fluently, beautifully, clearly, etc.
Sentence example:
- The lion ran fast
- She works hard
- He fought bravely
Adverb of Time
Those adverbs which show time are called the Adverb of time.
Adverb of Time Examples:Today, Tomorrow, yesterday, last night, last day, last week, etc.
Sentence example :
- They saw me yesterday
- Parul arrived late
- Radheshyam will arrive soon.
Adverb of Place
Those adverbs that express place are called Adverbs of Place.
Adverb of Place Example: Here, There, away, down, anywhere, everywhere, above, below, etc.
Sentence example :
- She was sitting here.
- My Bacharwar lived there.
- She looked up.
Adverb of Number
Those adverbs which express the frequency number of "to be an action" are called Adverbs of numbers.
Adverb of Number Example:Once, twice, thrice, again, firstly, secondly, etc.
Sentence example :
- The farmer called again.
- She always tries to do her best
- SSC student frequently comes unprepared.
Adverb of Quantity
Those Adverbs express quantity, the extent of the adjective, and an adverb called Adverb of Quantity.
Adverb of Quantity Examples: Too, very, quite, enough, rather, fairly, etc.
Sentence Example :
- My daughter was too careless
- She was very tired
- The fruits are almost ripe.
Adverb of Reason
Those adverbs which express the sense of reason are called the Adverbs of Reason.
Adverb of Reason Example: Hence, Therefore, Consequently, etc.
Sentence example :
- She, therefore, left the school
- He was therefore fined
Adverb of Affirmation or Negation
Those adverbs which express the sense of affirmation or negation are called the Adverbs of Affirmation or Negation.
Adverb of Affirmation or Negation Example: Not, Surely, certainly, indeed, not at all, etc.
Sentence example :
- Our hero is certainly alive
- Probably he will win.
Interrogative Adverbs
Those adverbs which are used to ask questions are called Interrogative Adverbs.
Interrogative Adverbs Example : Chhatrapati: When, How, Where, etc.
There are 6 types of Interrogative Adverbs :
- Interrogative Adverbs of Time - Example - When will you return?
- Interrogative Adverbs of Place - Example - Where do you live?
- Interrogative Adverbs of Numbers - Example - How many boys were present there?
- Interrogative Adverbs of Manner - Example - How are you today?
- Interrogative Adverbs of Quantity - Example - How much did you pay for this iPhone?
- Interrogative Adverbs of Reason - Example - Why are you late for this class?
Relative Adverbs
Those Interrogative adverbs which are used to add two sentences are called Relative Adverbs. Relative adverbs express the relation between "obvious" and "non-obvious" Antecedents.
Relative Adverbs Sentence example :
- This is the place where my grandfather lived.
- Do you know what is the price of this laptop?
Examples of Adverb
These examples cover a range of adverbs that describe emotions (happily, sadly), frequency (always, never), time (yesterday, today), degree (well, badly), location (here, there, everywhere), and manner (quickly, slowly). Adverbs help provide more details and context to a sentence. It enhances our understanding of the actions that are performed.
Adverb of Manner | Quickly, slowly, carefully, loudly, quietly, easily, hardly. |
|---|
Adverbs of Place | Here, Everywhere, there |
Adverbs of Time | Yesterday, today, now, then, soon, eventually |
Adverbs of Quantity/Range | Almost, Entirely |
Adverbs of Number and Frequency | Once, Frequently |
Adverbs of Affirmation/ Negotiation | Certainly, Never |
Adverbs of Reasons | Therefore, Consequently |
| Interrogative Adverbs | When, Where |
|---|
| Relative adverbs | Where, When |
|---|
Adverb Examples Sentences
In this section, we will see how different adverbs are used in sentences.
1. Adverb of Manner
- My brother-in-law behaved foolishly.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji fought bravely against the Mughals.
2. Adverb of time
- Barsha arrived late to the party.
- She comes here daily to eat breakfast.
3. Adverb of Place
- Hope looks above, doubt looks below.
- Come into this room.
4. Adverb of numbers
- Every man often makes mistakes.
- Our team always try to do our best.
5. Adverb of Quantity
- My father was fully prepared for his interview.
- She is quite wrong
6. Adverb of Reason
- You, therefore, left school.
- Consequently, he was sent to Toronto.
7. Adverb of Affirmation or negation
- Surely they are right.
- I do not know her.
8. Interrogative Adverbs
- When will you return?
- Why are you late?
9. Relative adverbs
- This is where good monks lived.
- Do you know when they will come?
How to Use Adverbs with Sentences
The following are the ways by which one can use adverbs in sentences :
1. Placing Adverbs in a Sentence
- Use an adverb to describe a verb
- Modify an adjective with an adverb
- Pair an adverb with an adverb
- Use an adverb to introduce a sentence
- Connect independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs
2. Learning the Rules of Adverbs
- Pay attention to the degree of the adverb.
- Pay attention to the position
- Cut out redundant adverbs
Difference Between Adverb and Adjective
| Feature | Adjective | Adverb |
|---|
| Basic Definition | Describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. | Modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. |
| Main Purpose | To provide more information about a thing (noun) or person (pronoun). | To describe how, when, where, or to what extent an action (verb) is performed. |
| Position | Usually placed before the noun or pronoun they modify, but can also be after the noun following a verb. | Often placed directly before or after the verb it modifies, but the position can vary depending on what is being modified. |
| Examples | - Quick (Describes the noun "dog" in "The quick dog.") - Beautiful (Describes the noun "flower" in "A beautiful flower.") | - Quickly (Modifies the verb "ran" in "He ran quickly.") - Very (Modifies the adjective "happy" in "She is very happy.") |
| Questions Answered | What kind? Which one? How many? | How? When? Where? To what extent? |
| Form Change | Most adjectives do not change form, regardless of the noun's number or gender. | Many adverbs are formed by adding "-ly" to the adjective (e.g., "happy" to "happily"). However, there are many irregular forms. |
Adverb Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the suitable "Adverb" -
Q1. He has given me .................. a lot; I don't think I can spend so much. (rather, fairly)
Answer: Rather is used here.
Q2. She was bold ............ to catch the lion. (very, enough)
Answer: Enough is used here.
Q3. My wife's health is ............. good. (too/ very)
Answer: Very is used here.
Q4. I will stay there ___________ in winter. (sometimes/ some time/ sometimes )
Answer: sometimes is used here.
Q5. There was ................ an intelligent girl to solve this question. (no/ not)
Answer: not is used here.
Find out the error part of the following sentences
Q1. He took (1) / coffee and (2) / said that (3) / it tasted sweet. (4) / No Error (5).
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Answer : 4
Solution: Replace "sweetly" with sweet because one can not use adverbs after adjectives such as taste, feel, seem, appear, look, or smell.
Que 2. He does not hardly (1)/knows what (2)/ happened yesterday. (3)/ No error (4)
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Answer: 1
Solution: One can not use a negative word not before an adverb hardly because hardly is already gives us a sense of negation.
Que 3. It was most (1)/ unfortunate that she (2)/ died at the (3)/ early age of 25 (4)/ No error (5)
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Answer : 4
Solution: Early can not be used before the period because the age of 25 also gives us a sense of early.
Que 4. She is too much beautiful (1)/ so most of the boys of my hostel (2)/ run after her and (3)/ want to influence her (4)/ No error (5)
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Answer: 1
Solution: too much beautiful>> much too beautiful
Que 5. He gave (1)/a vivid account (2)of his life (3) as a fighter pilot. (4)/ No error (5)
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Answer: 2
Solution: vividly>> vivid
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Preposition
Interjection