Adverbs

Definition of Adverbs

Adverbs are those words or phrases which are used to modify or describe any adjectives, verb, determiner, noun or any other adverb. They emphasise the manner, time, place or degree of any adjectives, verb, determiner, noun or any other adverb.

People usually get confused with adverbs and verbs, adverbs and adjective, Adverbs and other adverbs.

Adverbs and verbs

Verbs are the helping words in the sentence. Adverbs are those words or word phrases which modify the verbs.

For instance,

1. She is very short. In this sentence, the word very is an adverb which modifies the intensity of her height.

1. I will think of your suggestion quite seriously. In this sentence, the word seriously emphasizes the intensity with which the person will upon the idea.

There is only one type of the verbs which do not go with the adjectives. These verbs are the linking verbs. Examples of linking verbs are feel, smell, seem, sound.

Adverbs and Adjectives

Adjectives are the describing words used to describe the nouns. Adverbs are those words or word phrases which add to the degree of intensity or intensify the adjectives.

For instance,

1. The woman is very beautiful. The word very is an adverb which modifies the intensity of her beauty. The word very explains that the girl is extremely beautiful.

1. She was extremely happy to meet her husband after a week. The word extremely is an adverb which modifies the intensity of her happiness.

Adverbs and other Adverbs

In order to describe any adverb, another adverb can be used.

For instance,

1. Shivangi is a bright and excellent student.

Degrees of Comparison

The degrees of comparison of the adverbs are same as that of adjectives.

These degrees of comparisons of an adverb are of three types:

• Absolute

• Comparative

• Superlative

Absolute Adverbs are those which cannot be compared or intensified with others. They are of their own type. For example: She smiled warmly.

Comparative Adverbs are those which can be compared with others. They are not of their own type. For example: She smiled more warmly

Superlative Adverbs are those which are at the top of the comparison charts. No other super form is available after this. For example She smiled most warmly.

Placements of Adverbs

One should be very careful while placing any adverb as if they are placed incorrectly then they will change the meaning of the whole sentence.

When an adverb is used to modify any verb then the most appropriate stage or the sentence is the one which consists of an adverb placed in the middle of the sentence.

For instance,

1. Anand has always loved basketball.
2. A speedily written message.

So, while modifying a verb one should place adverbs in the middle of the sentence so as to provide it an intense meaning.

Recap

• They emphasise the manner, time, place or degree.
• Adverbs are those words or word phrases which modify the verbs.
• Adverbs are those words which intensify the adjectives.
• Another adverb can be used to describe any adverb.