• The adverb is a word which tells use more about the action of the verb, i.e. how it took place, where it took place, when it took place, etc.
• For example:
  • Janie spoke tirelessly (how)
  • Adam visited last week (when)
  • Keechi has gone to New York (where)

Kinds of Adverbs

• Adverb of Manner:
  • This denotes the way the action is performed
  • For example:
    • The speaker walked laboriously to his seat
    • The job was expertly executed
• Adverb of Place:
  • This shows where the action took place
  • For example:
    • The car was parked at the garage
    • Allen’s office is across the street
• Adverb of Time:
  • This indicates when the action took place
  • For example:
    • The father is expected back next week
    • The ship came into harbor last week
• Adverb of Reason:
  • This indicates the reason for the action, and answers the question – why?
  • They include for, as, since, because, etc.
  • For example:
    • The child cried because she was beaten
• Adverb of Purpose:
  • This tells us the purpose for which the action of a verb took place
  • They include: so that, so, etc.
  • For example:
    • The students stay in a dormitory so that they could become accustomed to not staying with their parents
• Adverb of Comparison:
  • Just like adjective of comparison, this has three degrees:
    • Positive (e.g. near)
    • Comparative (e.g. nearer)
    • Superlative (e.g. nearest)
• Adverb of Condition:
  • This emphasizes the condition under which an action is possible or impossible.
  • They include: unless, except, provided, etc.
  • For example:
    • Unless the bonus is paid, the workers are going to strike