Adverbs and adverbial phrases Made by Beatrix Xénia Szabó 05.05.2016 Adverbs and adverbial phrases

What’s an adverb? Adverb: a word used for describing a verb (an action) – e.g., he walks slowly, an adjective – e.g., it’s incredibly expensive, another adverb, or a whole sentence – he works very hard.. Adverbs in English often consist of an adjective with „-ly” added, for example „quickly”, „mainly,” and „cheerfully.”

Adverbs of manner Describe how somebody does something. They usually go AFTER the verb or verb phrase, however, with passive verbs they usually go in mid-position (before the main verb but after an auxiliary verb). He runs very fast. The driver was seriously injured.

Adverbs of frequency Go before the main verb but after the verb to be. I hardly ever have time for breakfast. (almost never) Liam’s always late for work. Karen realized that she was never going to learn to drive. Sometimes, usually, and normally can also be put at the beginning of the phrase or sentence for emphasis. If there are two auxiliary verbs, the adverb goes after the first one. I would never have thought you were 40.

Adverbs of time and place …. Usually go at the end of a sentence or clause. Place adverbs usually go before time adverbs. (PLACE, TIME) My parents will be here in half an hour. My parents will be in half an hour here.

Adverbs of degree Describe how much something is done, or modify an adjective. Extremely, incredibly, very, etc., are used with adjectives and adverbs and go before them. We’re incredibly tired. A lot and much are often used with verbs and go after the verb or verb phrase. My husband works a lot, but he doesn’t earn much. A little/a little bit can be used before adjectives or after verbs, e.g., I’m a little tired. We rested a little bit after the flight.

Comment adverbs Which give the speaker’s opinion Usually go at the beginning of a sentence or clause. Unfortunately, the package never arrived. Ideally, we should leave here at 10:00. Other common comment adverbs are luckily, basically, clearly, obviously, apparently, eventually, etc.

Other adverbs Most other adverbs go in mid-position, e.g., I just need ten more minutes. I almost forgot to go to class. I’m nearly finished with my work. She didn’t even say goodbye. She’ll probably come in the end. Before the main verb.

Confusing adverbs and adverbial phrases HARD ~ HARDLY? He works very hard – he’s very persistent. It’s incredibly dark. I can hardly see anything. What’s the difference? What is the meaning of these adverbs? HARD: very much, needing a lot of effort HARDLY: almost NOT

LATE ~ LATELY? LATE: not being on time. I don’t like when my mother arrives late for the dinner. I haven’t seen Larissa lately. She must work a lot. What’s the difference? LATE: not being on time. LATELY: these days, nowadays, recently.

At the end ~ in the end? At the end of the class we always get the homework. It took me two years, but in the end I passed my driving test. What’s the difference? At the end: when something has finished, e.g., at the end of the class / movie etc. In the end: eventually, after a period of time or series of events or difficulties.

ESPECIALLY ~ SPECIALLY? I love all kinds of sport, but especially Thai-Chi. My graduation dress was specially made for me by a dressmaker. What’s the difference? ESPECIALLY: above all (principalmente) SPECIALLY: in a particular way or a particular purpose, only used with a participle, e.g., It’s a specially designed umbrella. (exclusivamente)

ACTUALLY ~ RIGHT NOW? He looks older than me, but actually he is two years younger. Right now we’re sharing an apartment, but hoping to move soon. ACTUALLY: IN FACT RIGHT NOW: now

NEARLY ~ NEAR? I’ve nearly done my homework. I’m on the last page. Sorry madam, do you know if there is a bank near here? What’s the difference? NEARLY: almost NEAR: close

STILL~YET? He hasn’t found a job yet. He still hasn’t found a job. What’s the difference? YET: goes at the end of a phrase STILL: in the mid position

EVER ~ EVEN? Have you ever been to the US? I’ve been all over the US– I’ve even been to Alaska. What’s the difference? EVER: at any time in the past, present or future EVEN: used for showing that you are saying something that is SURPRISING.

Resources Macmillan English Dictionary Longman Diccionario Escolar American English File 4A Found on ISLCOLLECTIVE