Introduction

The term adverb is used for a wide variety of words with different kinds of use: for example frankly, now, very, right, regularly. Their general function is to modify (add meaning to) sentences, clauses or various parts of clauses (but not nouns).

Frankly, I think she’s crazy.
You did that very well.
Please answer now.
She went right up the stairs.
When I was a student, I went to the gym regularly.

Other longer expressions can modify sentences, clauses, verbs, etc in the same way as adverbs.

To be honest, I think she’s crazy.
You did that quite remarkably well.
Please answer right away.
She went all the way up the stairs.
When I was a student, I went to the gym every day.

It can be convenient to use a single word to talk about modifiers of this kind, whether they are adverbs, or longer expressions functioning like adverbs. In this Section they are called ‘adverbials’ when necessary. For adverbial clauses (e.g. When I was a student), Conjunctions, sentences and clauses, if section, Other adverbial clauses.

Note that not all languages make a grammatical distinction between adverbs and adjectives. This can cause problems for some learners.

Do you know what’s wrong with these, and why?

She danced happy into the room. (see here)

I don’t remember him very good. (see here)

It’s terrible cold today. (see here)

They smiled friendly at us. (see here)

You’re doing finely. (see here)

I worked very hardly for the exam. (see here)

The door was widely open. (see here)

I get often headaches. (see here)

She speaks very well English. (see here)

Never I get up early. (see here)

Here your bus comes. (see here)

Put the butter at once in the fridge. (see here)

I play always tennis on Saturdays. (see here)

I never have seen a whale. (see here)

He does probably not know. (see here)

I often am late for work. (see here)

I will completely have finished by next year. (see here)