An adverb is a word or set of words that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Usually adverbs modify verbs, telling us how, how often, when, or where something was done.
We walked really slowly
As adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, phrases, clauses, or even entire sentences, they are able to function nearly anywhere in the sentence, depending on their type and what it is they are modifying.
If we use more than one adverb to describe a verb, there is a general order in which the different categories of adverbs should appear (sometimes called the royal order of adverbs):
It is uncommon to use five adverbs in a row to modify the same word, but if a sentence uses two or more, then it is best to follow this order to avoid sounding unnatural.
Adverbs of manner tell us how something happens, how someone does something, or give character to a description.
Alice sings beautifully
Adverbs of place tell us about an aspect of location associated with the action of a verb, specifying the direction, distance, movement, or position involved in the action.
We looked upwards at the fireworks
Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens.
Peter goes abroad twice a year
Adverbs of time tell us when or for how long something happens or is the case.
They've been dating for 4 years
Adverbs of purpose tell us why something happens.
The dress is handcrafted and hence expensive
Adverbs indicating the attitude and point of view of the speaker or writer usually go at the beginning.
Actually, I don't want to go there
confidently/all the time/on the stage. three times a week/because he is saving money for a trip/at a diner. My dad swims in the ourdoor pool/every day/to stay in shape/before sunset/enthusiastically. You/to keep/can't/obviously/a secret. –We hardly ever meet up! When are you free this weekend?
–Honestly, I don't know. We have a huge project at work and my boss wants everything to be perfect. So as you can imagine, we are working overtime.
–Gosh, that doesn't sound great. Do sleep 8 hours a day at least?
–I usually sleep 5 hours a day. I also need to do some household chores to keep my place clean. I'll give you a call next week, OK?
Which of the following is an adverb/adverbial phrase of:
manner - place - frequency - time - purpose
at 7 o'clock in the morning
to be more healthy
annually
in the worst way possible
at the park
Restore the word order in the following sentences.
My little brother/as he can be with his friends/to like/to go to school.
The lady/to me/in/to talk/a friendly manner.
Honestly/we/can afford/I/not to think/a vacation abroad/this year.
Sam/to get up/at weekends/late/usually.
I/at 6 o'clock/to go/every morning/for a run.