An adverb is a word that describes or modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Adverbs tell us how, when, where, how often, or to what extent something happens.
Adverbs Modify Verbs
Most adverbs modify verbs — they describe the action.
- She sings beautifully.
- He ran quickly.
- They arrived yesterday.
Adverbs Modify Adjectives
Adverbs can also modify adjectives to add intensity or degree.
- It is very hot today.
- That was extremely kind of you.
- She is quite talented.
Adverbs Modify Other Adverbs
Adverbs can modify other adverbs for emphasis or degree.
- She sang very beautifully.
- He drove quite slowly.
- They finished rather early.
How to Spot an Adverb
Many adverbs end in -ly, but not all. Look for words that answer how, when, where, how often, or how much about the verb.
| Question | Adverb Examples | | ---------- | ----------------------------- | | How? | carefully, loudly, well, fast | | When? | now, later, soon, yesterday | | Where? | here, there, inside, outside | | How often? | always, never, sometimes | | How much? | very, quite, almost, too |