An adverb is a word that can add information to a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a whole clause. Adverbs can tell how, when, where, or how often something happens. Some express degree or a speaker’s viewpoint.
What adverbs modify
- A verb. The dog ran quickly tells how it ran. We often walk here uses often for frequency and here for place.
- An adjective. In an extremely narrow bridge, extremely strengthens the adjective narrow.
- Another adverb. In The dog ran very quickly, very strengthens quickly.
- A whole clause. Fortunately, the gate was open. The adverb gives the writer’s view of the situation.
Adverbs with and without -ly
Many adverbs end in -ly, such as quietly. Others include soon, often, and fast. In a friendly guide, friendly is an adjective. Look at how the word is used. An adverbial can also be a phrase or clause. In We left after lunch, after lunch tells when we left.
