Adverbs

Adverbs

An adverb modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.

An adverb tells how, when, where, or to what extent (how much, how often, or how long).

EXAMPLES 

• The surgeon proceeded cautiously. [how] 
• They work here. [where] 
• She understood the instructions entirely. [to what extent]

Adverbs Modifying Verbs

Adverbs are used most often to modify verbs. An adverb makes the meaning of a verb more specific. 

EXAMPLE 

• She did not explain the instructions clearly. [The adverbs not and clearly describe the verb phrase did explain by telling how.]

Adverbs Modifying Adjectives

An adverb makes the meaning of an adjective more specific. 

EXAMPLES 

• The students were quite inventive with their projects. [The adverb quite describes the adjective inventive by telling to what extent.] 
• An exceptionally musical child, Dinah played the piano at an early age. [The adverb exceptionally describes the adjective musical by telling to what extent.]

Adverbs Modifying Other Adverbs

An adverb makes the meaning of another adverb more specific. 

EXAMPLES 

• Is it too late to sign up for tryouts? [The adverb too modifies the adverb late by telling to what extent.] 
• A beginner, he plays the guitar remarkably well. [The adverb remarkably modifies the adverb well by telling to what extent.]

Adverbs Quiz

Choose the word that is an adverb.