THE ADVERB

The Adverb

1. Definition: An adverb is a word that modifies the meaning of a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
2. Examples of Adverbs Modifying Verbs:
   • Sentence: Rama runs quickly.
     • Explanation: “Quickly” shows how (or in what manner) Rama runs.
   • Sentence: Govind reads quite clearly.
     • Explanation: “Quite” shows how far (or to what extent) Govind reads clearly.
   • Sentence: She was sitting close beside him.
     • Explanation: “Close” modifies the verb “sitting” by showing the proximity.
3. Examples of Adverbs Modifying Adjectives:
   • Sentence: This is a very sweet mango.
     • Explanation: “Very” shows how much (or in what degree) the mango is sweet.
   • Sentence: She was dressed all in white.
     • Explanation: “All” modifies the adjective “white” by emphasizing complete coverage.
   • Sentence: He paid his debts down to the last penny.
     • Explanation: “Down” modifies the adjective “last” by indicating the extent.
4. Examples of Adverbs Modifying Other Adverbs:
   • Sentence: Have you read all through this book?
     • Explanation: “Through” modifies the adverb “all” by indicating completion.
   • Sentence: At what hour is the sun right above us?
     • Explanation: “Above” modifies the adverb “right” by specifying the location.
   • Sentence: She was dressed quite beautifully.
     • Explanation: “Beautifully” is an adverb modifying another adverb, “quite,” indicating the degree.
5. Adverbs at the Beginning of Sentences:
   • Sometimes, adverbs at the beginning of sentences modify the entire sentence:
     • Sentence: Probably, he is mistaken. [=It is probable that he is mistaken.]
     • Sentence: Possibly, it is as you say.
     • Sentence: Evidently, the figures are incorrect.
     • Sentence: Unfortunately, no one was present there.
     • Sentence: Luckily, he escaped unhurt.

Kinds of Adverbs

Adverbs serve various purposes in a sentence, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They can be categorized into different classes based on their meanings:

1. Adverbs of Time (showing when):
2. Adverbs of Frequency (showing how often):
   • Explanation: Adverbs of frequency indicate how often an action happens.
   • Examples:
     • 1. “He often makes mistakes.”
     • 2. “He always tries to do his best.”
     • 3. “The postman called again.”

Adverbs of Place (showing where):

• Explanation: Adverbs of place indicate where an action takes place.
• Examples:
  • “Stand here.”
  • “The little lamb followed Mary everywhere.”
  • “He looked up.”

Adverbs of Manner (showing how or in what manner):

• Explanation: Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed.
• Examples:
  • “The Sikhs fought bravely.”
  • “Govind reads clearly.”
  • “Slowly and sadly we laid him down.”

Adverbs of Degree or Quantity (showing how much or to what extent):

• Explanation: Adverbs of degree indicate the degree or extent of an action or quality.
• Examples:
  • “He was too careless.”
  • “The sea is very stormy.”
  • “She sings pretty well.”

Adverbs of Affirmation and Negation:

• Explanation: Adverbs of affirmation express agreement or confirmation, while adverbs of negation express denial or disagreement.
• Examples:
  • “Surely you are mistaken.”
  • “He certainly went.”

Adverbs of Reason:

• Explanation: Adverbs of reason indicate the cause or reason for an action.
• Examples:
  • “He is hence unable to refute the charge.”
  • “He therefore left school.”

• Explanation: Adverbs of time indicate when an action occurs.
• Examples:
  • “I have heard this before.”
  • “He called here a few minutes ago.”
  • “The end soon came.”