Kinds Of Adverbs

Learn about kinds of adverbs. Sentences are more colourful when the verbs are phrased in a way that the listener or reader can perceive and even visualize the action being performed. This is where the kinds of adverbs come in. Adverbs are support systems for verbs, especially in creative language. With these in the sentence, content becomes more engaging. Adverbs are also indicators of manner, time, place and magniture.

The first kinds of adverbs are those that denote the way the action is done. These are called manner adverbs or adverbs of manner. They also answer ‘how’ questions that readers inadvertently ask when reading a sentence with an action word in it. For example:

She eats slowly because she heard that eating slowly can help her become thin.
These boy scouts do their duties cheerfully and without complaint.
The diver swims skilfully, unlike the amateur swimmers that can only wade awkwardly.
The boy is eating breakfast quickly because he doesn’t want to be late for school.

Among the kinds of adverbs that we use daily, adverbs that denote place or location are probably the most useful. These adverbs are frequently used when asking directions or when giving directions. If the adverbs of manner answer the question ‘how’, adverbs of place are used to answer the question ‘where’.

Go there under the tree and wait for your sister.
The paramedics went up the burning building with the firemen after the fire was put out.
The searchers looked inside to find people who may still be suffering from burns.
We brought the dogs outside to get some sun.

Temporal adverbs are the kinds of adverbs that answer the question ‘when’. If you’re telling someone about an action that you did or going to do, the other person would be asking when questions. You can help make the sentence and the idea more complete by using temporal adverbs.

The mailman went here yesterday in the morning to deliver mail.
The baby wants to receive his milk now.
Sit near the benches now.
You can all go tomorrow.
The educational trip is set for the next day.
It’s sad that you weren’t able to go, you can go next time.

Some temporal adverbs also denote the frequency by which the action is done.

The subscription for this magazine is sent out weekly.
We go to the movies occasionally.
Our pets tend to fight with each other every day.
I drink alcohol sometimes.

Adverbs of Degree

Adverbs that tell of the magnitude by which an action is done are the kinds of adverbs that denote degree. Some people don’t bother with these because they make a sentence more complex, but many agree that the presence of these kinds of adverbs in a sentence makes it a lot more enjoyable to read. They answer the question ‘to what extent’.

I am totally sold on the idea of buying health supplements.
The girl is completely enamored by the guy.
The people are utterly bewildered about the new law.
Scientists are thoroughly studying the genetic evidence.
I am very happy that my best friend is getting married again after years of being single.