Adverbs

​​In a nutshell

An adverb is a word which describes a verb or an action. Adverbs can tell you how, when or where a verb happens. In this summary, you'll learn about the different types of adverbs and how and when to use them effectively. 

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In a sentence

Adverbs can come either before or after a verb so they can be difficult to spot. Lots of adverbs end with -ly but not all of them.

Examples

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Types of adverbs

There are several types of adverbs which give us different information about verbs. 

Manner

These adverbs tell you how something happened.

Examples

• John fell over accidentally. 
  
• Yan smiled cheerfully.
• Elena calmly spoke. 

Time

These adverbs tell you when something happened.

Examples

• Tomorrow Lin will see his dad. 
  
• Paul graduated last year.
• Rosa is leaving soon. 

Place

These adverbs tell you where something happened.

Examples

• April is coming here.
  
• Ismael went downstairs.
• He's going towards the car. 

Frequency

These adverbs tell you how often something happened.

Examples

• Abdul never plays chess. 
  
• Rachel always locks the front door. 
• Joe usually wins at pool.