Adverbs Definition (with Examples)
Definition of Adverb (with Examples)
Adverbs are mainly used to modify verbs. They are used to express when, where, how, for what reason, or to what degree an action is performed.Many adverbs — especially those that express how an action is performed — end -ly.
Examples of Adverbs
Here are some examples of adverbs:- The mad season starts in August. (when)
- Toby played in the garden. (where)
- She ran quickly. (how)
- As it has stopped raining, the game can continue. (reason)
- They dance more gracefully. (degree)
Adverbs with Adjectives and Other Adverbs
In the examples above, the adverbs all modify verbs. However, adverbs can also modify adjectives and other adverbs. For example:- She is an extremely tall lady (tall is an adjective)
- She typed the letter remarkably quickly. (quickly is an adverb)
Adverbial Phrases and Adverbial Clauses
Many adverbs are just one word, but adverbs are often made up of more than one word. For example:- She sang happily.
- She sang with great joy.
- He moved slowly.
- He moved like a sloth.
- He did the job well.
- He did the job to a high standard.
A Quick Test
When an adverb modifies an adjective, do not join them with a hyphen unless you need to eliminate ambiguity.
- It is a wonderfully-decorated table.
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