Adverbs: Add Information to Actions

The rule

An adverb provides extra information about an action, an adjective, or another adverb. It answers five common questions: how, where, when, how often, or how much.

Example 1 of 3

Say it like this

Marcus moved the wooden table carefully across the room.

Carefully is a manner adverb following the object the wooden table.

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Example 2 of 3

Say it like this

We usually clean the studio floor before our photo shoot begins.

Usually is a frequency adverb placed before the action verb clean.

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Example 3 of 3

Say it like this

The morning light outside is very bright today.

Very is a degree adverb placed before the adjective bright.

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Good to know

Adding -ly does not always create a manner adverb with the same meaning. Hard means with effort, while hardly means almost not.

Quick check

Answer in your head. Answers next.

1. 1. Which question does 'carefully' answer in 'Lift the glass lamp carefully'?
   • A Where?
   • B How?
   • C When?

Answers

1. 1. How?Carefully explains the manner or way someone lifts the lamp, answering the question how.