An adverb is the most versatile of all the parts of speech. An adverb usually modifies a verb, but it can also modify an adjective, or another adverb. In fact, if a word is baffling you in a sentence, it is probably an adverb.
•Examples: The stream flows swiftly. (modifies verb telling how)
We must cross the rather long stream. (modifies adjective long)
This stream flows very swiftly. (very modifies swiftly)
Many adverbs end in –ly like quickly, slowly, hardly, recklessly, hurriedly, ridiculously…. In fact, many people make their own adverbs by adding an –ly onto an adjective. Give it a try (knowing the English language, someone has probably already coined the word you think you are inventing).
Learn the adverb questions! If you take a moment to commit these question words and phrases to memory, you will not have trouble with adverbs.
Adverbs answer the questions…
When, He will be here later.
where, Put the books there.
why, Then, you must leave this place.
how, You must leave directly.
how long, You must stay away forever.
how often, You must always do your homework.
What degree, I am greatly pleased with your effort.
what extent, I am somewhat displeased with your effort.
Degrees of Comparison – adverbs have positive, comparative, and superlative forms
Positive well quickly far
Comparative better more quickly farther
Superlative best most quickly farthest
•Examples: Well, I don’t think I’m ready to leave yet. (modifies nothing).
Maybe I won’t come to your party. (modifies whole sentence).
Of course, I won’t be attending either. (modifies nothing).
Perhaps I will come anyway. (modifies whole sentence).
Notice maybe and perhaps change the meaning of the sentence. If you told someone, “I won’t come to your party,” you won’t be there. But if you add the word maybe, you’ve cast some doubt. The same goes for the last sentence. Perhaps changes the meaning of the sentence from definite to doubt.
Conjunctive Adverbs – you can really impress your friends with this one. Some adverbs can act as conjunctions, joining two sentences together. But, since they aren’t conjunctions, they are punctuated differently. (see Conjunctions for more)
Conjunctive adverbs – therefore, consequently, thus, however, otherwise, et al.
•Examples: We won’t have the money until Thursday; therefore, the landlord will have to wait.
I forgot my key; consequently, I spent the afternoon on the porch.
Notice the conjunctive adverb separates two independent clauses (sentences). Punctuate conjunctive adverbs using a semicolon (;) at the end of the first clause, followed by a comma (,) after the conjunctive adverb.
Exercises on adjectives and adverbs