MUET LANGUAGE MODULE

Adverbs
1.1 What is Adverb?
An adverb is a part of speech that provides greater description to a verb, adjective,
another adverb, a phrase, a clause, or a sentence. The following are examples of
adverbs modifying verbs.

Example
1. He talks quickly.
2. She eats slowly.
3. He’s happily singing on the stage.

Adverbs can also modify adjectives or other adverbs. They give more information about that
adjective or adverb. Look at the examples below.

Example
1. The racehorse runs very quickly.
(In this sentence, the adverb very describe the adverb quickly.)

2. Martin is an incredibly happy child.

(In this sentence, the adverb incredibly describes the adjectives happy.)

1.2 How are Adverbs formed?

One way to identify an adverb is to look for the word ending in -ly.

Adjective Adverb Adjective Adverb

happy happily quick quickly
lazy Lazily rough roughly
loud loudly slow slowly
mad madly soft softly
merry merrily stupid stupidly

Some adverbs do not end with -ly.

Example
1. The burglar ran fast when he saw the policeman.
2. Melanie did not do well in the audition.
3. The football players missed the bus because they were late.
4. Aishah studied very hard so she could earn a spot in a prestigious university.

1.3 Classes of adverbs

There are eight classes of adverbs.

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Class of Example Sentence (Underline the adverbs)

Adverbs
Adverb of here, there, down, 1. There is nowhere on earth that you can find a
place (where) up, out, anywhere, live mammoth now.
everywhere, 2. I couldn’t find you even after having searched
nowhere everywhere.
3. The engineer went there to check on the
bridge.
Adverb of then, now, soon, 1. His uncle will visit him soon.
time (when) before, after, later, 2. There is seldom smoke without fire.
seldom, already, 3. He looks very thin because he has not been
since, yesterday well lately.
Adverb of once, twice, thrice, 1. We go on a cruise annually.
frequency again, hourly, 2. I usually shop for groceries at the mini market
(number of usually, often round the corner.
times) 3. He is often late for meetings.
Adverb of because, 1. I’m going to the store because I need milk.
purpose purposely, so, so 2. Since Alice didn’t study, she failed the exam.
(reason) that, therefore, 3. It’s been so long since I’ve seen her.
lest, since 4. We must hurry lest we miss the train.
Adverb of very, quite, only, 1. She is very conscientious.
degree (what) almost, rather, 2. I’m almost done with the assignment.
much, many 3. The tiramisu tastes rather lovely.
Adverb of slowly, well, hard, 1. The elderly man walks slowly with the help of
manner (how) cleverly, sad a can.
2. He wove the tale so cleverly no one knew he
was lying.
Adverb of Where, when, why, 1. Where is your brother?
questioning / what, how 2. When are you going to grow up?
Interrogative 3. How can you eat a dozen pies in one evening?
adverbs
Adverb of absolutely, 1. They are certainly going through hard time.
affirmation affirmatively, 2. The moon is very clearly visible from the
clearly, truly, terrace of my house.
definitely, 3. The meeting turned out to be exactly the same
doubtlessly, as expected.
exactly, alright, 4. With the kind of commitment she has, she will
positively, really, surely be rewarded at work.
sure, surely
Adverb of nothing, nowhere, 1. There was no visibility during the storm.
negation not at all, almost, 2. The tractor I have is scarcely ever used.
invalidly, never, no, 3. I had hardly driven for a few kilometres, when I
rarely, scarcely saw a hitchhiker by the side of the road.

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Exercise 1
Rewrite the sentences using the adverb and the correct form of the verb in brackets.

1. The college bus (always/arrive) on time.

______________________________________________________________________
2. You and Alice (never/paint) with acrylics.
______________________________________________________________________
3. I (often/clean) the birdcage at the weekend.
______________________________________________________________________
4. You (usually/be) at the hair salon on Saturday.
______________________________________________________________________
5. We (rarely/watch) a football match at the stadium.
______________________________________________________________________
6. I (sometimes/be) hungry at the middle of the night.
______________________________________________________________________
7. Our lecturer, Mr Ranjit, (never/be) late for lessons.
______________________________________________________________________
8. My sister (hardly ever/help) me with my homework.
______________________________________________________________________

Exercise 2
Fill in each blank with an appropriate adverb.
1. Micheal speaks Italian very __________ .
2. He shouted __________ at the snatch thief.
3. Please put the porcelain teapot down __________ .
4. The canary sings __________ in the bird competition.
5. Adnan understands his lecturer’s instruction ___________ .
6. He walks very __________ because he sprained his ankle.
7. The baby is playing __________ with his toys in the room.
8. Lawrence took on the part-time job ___________ because he needed the money.
9. He was very upset so he banged the door __________ on his way out of the room.
10. He didn’t want to be recognized. So he walked __________ away from the crowd.

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Exercise 3
Fill in each blank with the adverb form in the adjective in the brackets.
Some college students are seen eating (1) __________ (hungry) at the cafeteria. Most of
them live (2) ___________ (frugal) because they are on a tight budget. (3) ___________
(occasion), they will have only a meal a day. At the cafeteria, they are (4) __________ (usual)
the ones who will pick the cheapest meal available. Daily news reporters (5) __________
(recent) delved into the lives of these students and found that among the menus of choice for
them were sandwiches and instant noodles.
Rooms and apartments are (6) ___________ (extreme) scarce with the rising number of
students coming from rural areas. Rental prices in the city have increased (7) __________
(sharp) ever since term started. (8) __________ (unfortunately), there is nothing that can be
done to lower rental prices as demand exceeds supply.
Besides that, ticket prices for public transport have also increased (9) __________
(gradual). Most students rely on public transport at least once (10) __________ (day).

Exercise 4
Fill in each blank with the adverb form of the adjective in brackets.

A private aircraft crashed (1) __________ (tragic) on the runway. The pilot and the
passengers were (2) _________ (critical) injured and had to be rushed to the nearest hospital
(3) __________ (immediate). They are (4) __________ (current) undergoing surgery.
Other flight arrivals that (5) __________ (normal) took place on the same runway were
held back. Debris on the runaway resulting for the accident had to be cleared (6) __________
(quick).
An investigation team has been created and is working (7) __________ (close) with the
Civil Aviation Authority to investigate the cause of the accident. There is a need to investigate
the whole accident (8) __________ (thorough).

Exercise 5
Fill in each blank with an appropriate adverb.
At least 90 people were missing on Monday, a day after a massive landslide swept (1)
__________ through an industrial park. (2) __________ all of those missing were children and
you adults. It was (3) __________ a shock to many as this had never happened before.
A news agency reported that the landslide buried 10 buildings in the industrial park (4)
__________ midnight when most people were sleeping.
There were mud (5) __________ and some areas had up to six metres of mud. More
than 1 000 people had been evacuated (6) __________. About 500 people were (7)
__________ involved in rescue efforts
One local resident asked,’ (8) __________ did this happen?’

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The general opinion was that (9) __________ it was due to construction work. The soil
that slid down onto the area had peen piled up after being dug out in the past three years in the
building of the condominiums. (10) __________ this is a very irresponsible act by the developer.

1.4 Conjunctive Adverbs

A conjunctive adverb is an adverb (e.g., alternatively, moreover) or adverb phrase (e.g., as a
result, on the other hand) that connects the ideas in different independent clauses or
sentences.
Example

Here is a list of conjunctive adverbs with example sentences.

Conjunctive Uses Sentence Examples

Adverbs
However Used to denote Aaron went to many stationery stores in that
contrasting area; however, he did not find what he was looking for.
Besides opinions, The computer I am thinking of buying does not meet my
suggestions or expectations; besides, it is very expensive.
Instead statements Remya had planned to go out with her family to the
circus; instead, she went to the beach.
Anyway Cece wanted to visit the museum yesterday but could
not as it was raining. Anyway, we are going today, so
we asked her to join us.
Nonetheless People have been struggling to be financially
stable; nonetheless, they are managing to make all
ends meet.
Nevertheless It was raining; nevertheless, we went to the party.
Meanwhile Asha was washing all the plates; meanwhile, her
husband cleaned the house.
Also Used to add See to that you carry your umbrella and torchlight when
ideas you go for the trip. Also, make sure you take a few
copies of your ID proof for verification.
Furthermore Our parents are coming home this weekend
and, furthermore, we will be going to Bangalore.
Besides The train is already running late. Besides, we got
caught in the early morning traffic.
Additionally Diu Art Cafe is known for its amazing
food. Additionally, the cafe often features live music
and dance shows.
Moreover Ajith is an engineer and, moreover, he is a good singer.

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Similarly Used to Adjectives are used to describe nouns. Similarly, you

represent similar can use adverbs to describe verbs, adjectives or other
ideas and adverbs.
Likewise statements or The student who stands in the beginning of the line has
compare two to pass the ball and move to the end of the
ideas line. Likewise, the next student has to move to the
beginning of the line and do the same.
Indeed Used to The show went on for so long and indeed, was a great
emphasise one.
Certainly something that is Certainly, that was your responsibility.
Undoubtedly being said Undoubtedly, this year’s annual day was the best.
Of course Of course, the western dance is the most anticipated
programme of the day.
Consequently Used to I am participating in multiple
represent cause competitions. Consequently, I will require more time for
and effect practice and preparation.
Otherwise Used to express Make sure you carry your ID proof when you are
one’s complete travelling; otherwise, they will not let you travel on the
agreement with train.
Accordingly something that is The prices of the materials kept fluctuating every
happening or year. Accordingly, we had to adjust the cost of our
suggested; to products.
Then show that Pravin moved all the furniture; then, he cleaned the
something is entire house.
Therefore happening as a It became too dark; therefore, we decided not to go to
result of the park.
Thus something Sandy received the maximum votes; thus, became the
chairperson of the academic year 2022-23.
Finally Finally, her parents permitted her to go for the trek.
Hence The hills are steep, and hence, it is very dangerous to
drive at night.

Exercise 6

Fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate conjunctive adverbs from the list given below.
undoubtedly therefore then additionally however
finally hence thus otherwise certainly

1. Krithik left home early; ___________, he did not reach school in time for the assembly.
2. You have to work hard; __________, you will not be able to score good marks.
3. We had watched every new movie that was released on Friday. _________, Home was
the best movie.

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4. Darin was waiting for his result the whole day. ________, the results were published
around 6 p.m.
5. The kids were already feeling cold; ____________, we decided not to turn on the AC.
6. The question papers did not reach us on time. __________, that caused a huge
discomfort among the students and teachers.
7. You would be informed what all you should carry with you when you come for the trip;
____________, you will be given an itinerary so that you can be well aware of the
activities that will take place.
8. The students had not completed their project, and ___________, they were not allowed
to go for their games period.
9. I will complete my Chemistry project, and ________, I will start working on the Maths
assignment.
10. Aaron practised very well, and ________, he got the second prize.

1.5 Adverbial Phrases

Two or more words that perform the role of an adverb, when put together, can be identified
as an adverbial phrase. Like an adverb, an adverbial phrase will also answer questions such
as ‘when’, ‘where’, ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘how often’. An adverbial phrase modifies or provides
extra information about a verb, a phrase, an adjective or another adverb in the sentence.
How to Form an Adverbial Phrase?
To be able to form an adverbial phrase, you should know the different components that
constitute an adverbial phrase. Take a look at the points given below to learn how an
adverbial phrase can be formed.
Components of an Adverbial Phrase
There is no particular rule that an adverbial phrase should definitely contain at least one
adverb. Adverbs can be a part of the adverbial phrase; however, there are some other
components that constitute an adverbial phrase. They include noun, pronoun, adjectives,
prepositions and articles.
A List of Words to Help You Form Adverbial Phrases
Here are some words (in bold) that will help you form and identify adverbial phrases easily.

HOW WHEN WHERE WHY HOW OFTEN

In anger Before sunrise Right next to To console her Every month

her
Like a snail Exactly in three At every For a much- Every now
hours signal need break and then
Sincerely happy Earlier than By the store So as to finish Rarely
expected the work
Very quickly As soon Next to the Owing to Annually
as possible play area the extension

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Somewhat sad Even before the Around the Due to her All Fridays
announcement main road continuous
efforts
A lot Within a matter of In all major Because of the As often
more sophisticated a few months cities heavy rains as required
With a duct tape After the On this swing In order to find Every few
lockdown out minutes

Example
Adverbial 1. My mom was angry with me for getting home really late.
Phrases 2. Around noon, we all had completed the tasks for the day.
Referring to 3. My aunt told me that she will be coming to India in the month of
Time September.
4. Everyone started losing their interest towards the end of the show.
Adverbial 1. There is a new supermarket right in front of my house.
Phrases 2. My father asked us to remember that he had parked the car right next to
Referring to the overbridge.
Place 3. We walked over the bridge.
4. Children play in the park.
5. Adults and teenagers are seen walking on the pavements.
Adverbial 1. Daniel waited silently and patiently.
Phrases 2. Luckily for my sister, she always got her way.
Referring to 3. Everything went on surprisingly well.
the Manner 4. The teacher asked the students to fill in the evaluation forms very
carefully.
5. We were able to finish it quite easily.
Adverbial 1. Almost every year, we take a trip to the North.
Phrases 2. Norah and her family visit her grandparents very often.
Referring to 3. Manassa bakes a new set of cookies every week.
the 4. Only rarely do we get an opportunity to take a break and go somewhere.
Frequency 5. Every alternate weekend, my friends and I get together for dinner.
Adverbial 1. Due to the sudden rains, we had to cancel our plans.
Phrases 2. All schools will be closed for a week owing to the heavy snow storms.
Referring to 3. To keep up with the developments in the field of technology, my
the Reason brother read every single blog on the technological advancements around
the world.
4. The little boy’s mother scolded him for breaking the glass bowl.
5. I went to Tokyo just to visit my friend.

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Exercise 7
Identify the adverbial phrases in the following sentences.
1. On the way to the hospital, I met my friend from school.
2. Owing to the pandemic, my sister’s batch was exempted from writing exams.
3. Jessica’s friends reached the hilltop exactly in an hour.
4. Probably, by the end of June, we can expect heavy rains.
5. The science teacher asked us to do our records neatly and carefully.
6. All of them did it exactly as informed.
7. All of a sudden, there was a fire in the building.
8. Throughout the year, the residents of the area faced difficulties with power and water
supply.
9. The children were seemingly quiet.
10. Ainul’s friends could not make it to the wedding in time due to the traffic jam.

1.6 Adverbial Clauses

Adverb clauses is a dependent clause that acts as an adverb. They also give the reader a
description of an adjective and an adverb. Always remember that an adverb clause begins
with a subordinating conjunction like ‘after’, ‘whether’, ‘if’, ‘because’, ‘although’, ‘even
though’, etc. Adverb clauses can be found in the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a
sentence.

Adverb Clauses Used in Adverb Clauses Used in Adverb Clauses Used in

the Beginning of a the Middle of a Sentence the End of a Sentence
Sentence
When adverb clauses are Adverb clauses that appear Whenever adverb clauses
used in the beginning of a in the middle of a sentence are used at the end of a
sentence, it is usually are enclosed within sentence, it does not
followed by a comma. commas, and even if demand or require any sort
These clauses are often removed from the sentence, of punctuation.
subordinate or dependent lets the sentence convey
clauses and cannot stand meaning. Examples
on their own.
Examples 1. Aaron was made to
Examples 1. My cousins, though they practise the song for the
told us that they would competition until he
not come for the sang it perfectly.

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1. If you work hard, you movie, they somehow 2. Angel kept rambling on
will be able to score made it. and on as if she wanted
good grades. 2. He remembered, after he to prove that she is
2. In case you like it, let us left the office, that he broke.
know. had not sent the EOD 3. The dog got so
3. Although they drove report. comfortable with my
really fast, they could 3. Rebecca, since she was brother after he cuddled
not reach there in time. not keeping her for a while.
4. Before you make your well, decided not to go to
4. We felt time was very
decision, make sure you work today and
slow because we were
think this through. tomorrow.
sitting idly.
5. As soon as you meet 4. My friend, because he
her, call me. does not like working in 5. You will be able to go to
the IT field, started his the theatres to watch
own company. movies as long as there
5. Digital money, even is no lockdown.
though it has been
made legal all around
the world, is not
accepted or considered
safe by common people.

What Makes an Adverbial Phrase Different from an Adverbial Clause?

It is possible that you might get confused between an adverbial phrase and an adverbial
clause as their functions are very similar. Take a look at the table given below to help you
perceive the factors that make an adverbial phrase different from an adverbial clause.

Adverbial Phrase Adverbial Clause

An adverbial phrase is just a part of a An adverbial clause is a group of words that
sentence that is employed to provide more gives some extra information about another
information about the action done by the clause and aids in the completion of the idea
subject, an adjective, another adverb or or thought being communicated.
even another phrase.
An adverbial phrase need not necessarily An adverbial clause should contain a subject
have a subject or a verb. and a verb.
Examples Example
1. In the spring season, travelling can be a 1. As soon as I reach the spot, I will give
pleasant and satisfying activity. you a call.
2. Unfortunately for him, it started raining 2. She decided not to go to work
the moment he left home. tomorrow because she was too sick.

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Exercise 8
Identify the adverb clauses in the following sentences.

1. Diaz came first in the dance competition because he had practised for almost two months.

2. If you like it, you can take it.

3. Danny follows a strict diet in order to stay fit.

4. Unless he is interested in the plot of a movie, he does not watch it.

5. Hector, in order to reach school early, decided to take the metro today.

6. When the clock strikes twelve, you will have to stop writing.

7. Make sure you buy it only if you like it.

8. The football gallery at Loyola, where we used to sit and talk, has been demolished.

9. Although he finished working with his project, he continued to make corrections.

10. Those green shoes, even though they are too big for him, goes with his style.

1.7 Order of Adverbs

When there is more than one adverb in a sentence describing a verb, they usually go in this
order: manner, place (location), frequency, time, reason/purpose.

It is uncommon to use all five types of adverbs to modify the same word. If a sentence uses
two or more adverbs, it is good to follow this order to sound natural.

Example
The adverbs in the sentences below are color-coded to show order of adverbs.

manner place frequency time reason/

purpose
She runs (v) quickly outside every before to lose weight.
morning school
The teacher loudly in the at the end as the students
gives (v) classroom of the prepare to go
instruction day home.
Dad walks (v) impatiently home every after
evening work.

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Tim reads (v) there each day after

lunch.
When there is more than one of the same type of adverb, we order them based on how
specific the information is. The most specific adverb is placed first.

1. She runs outside at 6:30 a.m. (more specific) before school (less specific) to lose
weight.

2. Tim reads on the floor (more specific) in his bedroom (less specific) after lunch.

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