Adverbs Basics helps you communicate about manner, degree and comment on actions or qualities. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can use adverbs to describe actions, adjectives and other adverbs.
- Recognise and build the form: verb + adverb; adverb + adjective/adverb.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Adverbs Basics for manner, degree and comment on actions or qualities. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
She speaks English fluently.
Use an adverb to describe how she speaks.
He completed the task carefully.
Use the adverb 'carefully' to modify the action 'completed'.
The test was extremely difficult.
Use an adverb of degree before the adjective 'difficult'.
verb + adverb; adverb + adjective/adverbKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use an adverb to describe how she speaks.
- Use the adverb 'carefully' to modify the action 'completed'.
- Use an adverb of degree before the adjective 'difficult'.
- Use an adverb to describe the manner of driving.
- Use an adverb to describe how the baby slept.
Common mistakes
Not:She speaks English fluent.
Use:She speaks English fluently.
Use an adverb to describe how she speaks.
Not:He completed the task careful.
Use:He completed the task carefully.
Use the adverb 'carefully' to modify the action 'completed'.
Not:The test was extreme difficult.
Use:The test was extremely difficult.
Use an adverb of degree before the adjective 'difficult'.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
Please drive ____ on this road.
slowly
Use an adverb to describe the manner of driving.
The baby slept ____.
peacefully
Use an adverb to describe how the baby slept.
The solution works surprisingly ____.
well
'Well' is the irregular adverb corresponding to 'good'.