How Adverbs Work

An adverb describes or modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Adverbs answer these questions: How? Where? Why? When? To what extent? In what way? Under what condition? They can appear before or after the word they modify. For example:

• This dress was designed specifically for Mrs. Johnson.      

                                 (The adverb specifically modifies the verb designed.)

• Sophia's life story is quite compelling.

                                 (The adverb quite modifies the adjective compelling.)

• The employee was never thoroughly vetted for the job.

                                 (The adverb never modifies the adverb thoroughly.)


An adverb will sometimes provide detail about a given situation, as indicated by the verb. The examples below show detail about manner, place, and time.

• John walked quickly.

                              (The adverb quickly modifies the verb ate, providing detail about manner.)

• Let's stop there.

                               (The adverb there modifies the verb stop, providing detail about place.)

• The kids played today.

                               (The adverb today modifies the verb played, providing detail about time.)


Adverbs can also modify adjectives and other adverbs. For example:

• She is unbelievably smart.

                               (The adverb unbelievably modifies the adjective smart.)

• Janie is very stubborn.

                               (The adverb very modifies the adjective stubborn.)

• My dog barked quite excitedly.

                               (The adverb quite modifies another adverb, excitedly.)

• The turtle moved really slowly.

                               (The adverb really modifies another adverb, slowly.)


Go here to learn how adjectives and adverbs differ.