Adverbs: Definition, Types, and Examples

Definition

An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or even a whole sentence. Adverbs provide information about how, when, where, why, or to what extent an action occurs.

Types of Adverbs with Examples

1. Adverbs of Manner

Describe how an action is performed.

• Examples: quickly, slowly, carefully, well, badly

• She sings beautifully.

• He runs fast.

2. Adverbs of Time

Indicate when an action happens.

• Examples: now, yesterday, soon, later, always, never

• They arrived yesterday.

• I will call you later.

3. Adverbs of Place

Indicate where an action takes place.

• Examples: here, there, everywhere, outside, nearby

• Come here.

• He looked everywhere.

4. Adverbs of Frequency

Show how often something happens.

• Examples: always, never, often, sometimes, rarely

• She always arrives on time.

• They rarely go out.

5. Adverbs of Degree

Indicate the intensity or degree of an action, adjective, or another adverb.

• Examples: very, quite, almost, too, enough

• She is very tall.

• He worked too hard.

6. Adverbs of Purpose/Reason

Explain why an action happens.

• Examples: therefore, thus, hence, so

• She was tired; therefore, she rested.

• He didn’t study, so he failed the exam.