An adverb modifies a verb; it indicates how the action of a verb is carried out.
Examples:
- The house stands firmly.
- She speaks well.
- He dresses beautifully.
It can also modify an adjective or another adverb.
Examples:
- The house is very firm.
- She answered most considerately.
Important Rules
For example: :
- a) It is raining heavily.
- b) She speaks English well.
For example :
a) I seldom meet him. (Right)
b) I meet him seldom. (Wrong)
Adverbs of degree refer to words which show “how much”, “in what degree” or “to what extent” does the action takes place
For example:
- a) He is too weak to walk.
- b) It is never too late.
Hence, use of very in place of too is wrong.
For example: Instead of saying that
- a) Cow’s milk is too nutritious We should say that
- b) Cow’s milk is very nutritious.
For example: Everyone should be strong enough to support one’s family.
It will be wrong if we write ‘Everyone should be enough strong to support one’s family’.
For example:
- a) He was much disgusted with his life.
- b) The news was much surprising.
Very is used with present participles.
For example:
- a) He is very disgusted with his life.
- b) The news is very surpising.
For example:
- a) Rim is the very best boy in his class.
- b) Rim is much the best boy in his class.
Adverbs of Affirmation or Negation refer to words that assert the action emphatically.
Consider these examples :
- a) He certainly was a winner among them
- b) Luckily he survived the crash
For example:
- a) No sooner I saw him I trembled with fear. (Wrong)
- b) No sooner did I see him than I trembled with fear. (Right)
For example:
- a) I received no letter neither from him nor from her. (Wrong)
- b) I received letter neither from him nor from her. (Right)
For example:
- a) Of course he is the best player. (Wrong)
- b) He is certainly the best player. (Right)
Following are Common Rules of Adverbs in General
For example:
- a) Only I spoke to him.
- b) I only spoke to him.
- c) I spoke to him only.
For example: It is nothing else but hypocrisy.
‘As’ is often used in a sentence though there is no need for it.
For example:
- a) He is elected as the President. (Wrong)
- b) He is elected President. (Right)
‘Perhaps’ means possibly whereas ‘probably’ means most likely.
For example:
- a) Where is Govinda? Perhaps he is not here. (Wrong)
- b) Where is Govinda? Probably he is not here. (Right)
