Adverbs modify verbs. They tell you how something is done.
She sings beautifully.
They drive carefully.
She eats her food slowly.
Rule: Adverbs are often formed by adding -ly to an adjective
Example: beautiful - beautifully, careful - carefully
Exceptions
- Some adjectives don't change in the adverb form. The most important of these are: fast - fast, hard - hard
- Good is probably the most important exception. The adverb form of 'good' is 'well'.
He speaks English well.
Tom plays tennis very well.
Rule: Adverbs can also modify an adjective. In this case, the adverb is placed before the adjective.
She is extremely happy.
They are absolutely sure.
Exceptions
- Do not use 'very' with adjectives that express an increased quality of a basic adjective Example: good - fantastic
She is an absolutely fantastic piano player.
Mark is a very good public speaker. In fact, he is an absolutely amazing lecturer.
Rule: Adverbs of frequency (always, never, sometimes, often, etc.) usually come before the main verb:
He is often late for class.
Do you always eat in a restaurant?
They don't usually travel on Fridays.
Exceptions
- Adverbs of frequency expressing infrequency are not used in the negative or question form.
- Some adverbs of frequency are sometimes placed at the beginning of a sentence. The most common of include 'sometimes' and 'often'.
Sometimes, I enjoy staying at home instead of going on vacation.
Often, Peter will telephone his mother before he leaves for work. - Adverbs of frequency follow - come after - the verb 'to be'.
He is sometimes late for work.
I am often confused by computers.
