Lesson 61

Parts of Speech - Adverbs

Since there has been some confusion about adverbs, I think we need a few more lessons about adverbs. We need to memorize what adverbs tell us and what they modify. We must always remember this basic information to handle them correctly.

Adverbs are words that modify (1) verbsVerbs show action or state of being. Most verbs are action words, but a few verbs indicate state of being or existence.
Source: Lesson 1, (2) adjectivesAdjectives modify or affect the meaning of nouns and pronouns and tell us which, whose, what kind, and how many about the nouns or pronouns they modify.
Source: Lesson 31, and (3) other adverbs. They tell how (manner), when (time), where (place), how much (degree), and why (cause).

Why is a common one-word adverb that tells why. Adverbs that tell us how, when, where, and why always modify the verb. Adverbs that tell us how much modify adjectives or other adverbs. These adverbs are also called qualifiers because they strengthen or weaken the words they modify.

Examples:
He kicked the ball solidly. (how)
He kicked the ball immediately. (when)
He kicked the ball forward. (where)
He kicked the ball too hard. (how much)

 
 
 

Instructions: The following sentences have adverbs that tell us how, and they modify the verb. Find the adverbs in these sentences and tell what they modify.

1. Joe was frantically mumbling to the 911 operator.

2. The message was secretly hidden in the cushion.

3. The room was decorated beautifully for the wedding.

4. The spy readily accepted the new assignment.

5. He was carefully disguised but captured quickly by police.

Note: Adverbs that modify verbs always modify the whole verb phraseWhen a verb is more than one word, it is called a verb phrase. Verb phrases can be two, three, or four words. Verb phrases are made by using auxiliary or helping verbs.
Source: Lesson 4 when it is made up of more than one word.