Download Adverbs and adverbial phrases

Made by Beatrix Xénia Szabó
05.05.2016

Adverb:
 a word used for describing a verb (an action) –
e.g., he walks slowly,
 an adjective – e.g., it’s incredibly expensive,
 another adverb, or a whole sentence – he works
very hard..

Adverbs in English often consist of an
adjective with „-ly” added, for example
„quickly”, „mainly,” and „cheerfully.”


Describe how somebody does something.
They usually go AFTER the verb or verb
phrase, however, with passive verbs they
usually go in mid-position (before the main
verb but after an auxiliary verb).
 He runs very fast.
 The driver was seriously injured.

Go before the main verb but after the verb to
be.
 I hardly ever have time for breakfast. (almost never)
 Liam’s always late for work.
 Karen realized that she was never going to learn to
drive.


Sometimes, usually, and normally can also be
put at the beginning of the phrase or sentence
for emphasis.
If there are two auxiliary verbs, the adverb
goes after the first one.
 I would never have thought you were 40.


Usually go at the end of a sentence or clause.
Place adverbs usually go before time adverbs.
(PLACE, TIME)
 My parents will be here in half an hour.
 My parents will be in half an hour here.

Describe how much something is done, or
modify an adjective.
 Extremely, incredibly, very, etc., are used with
adjectives and adverbs and go before them.
▪ We’re incredibly tired.
 A lot and much are often used with verbs and go
after the verb or verb phrase.
▪ My husband works a lot, but he doesn’t earn much.
 A little/a little bit can be used before adjectives or
after verbs, e.g.,
▪ I’m a little tired.
▪ We rested a little bit after the flight.


Which give the speaker’s opinion
Usually go at the beginning of a sentence or
clause.
 Unfortunately, the package never arrived.
 Ideally, we should leave here at 10:00.

Other common comment adverbs are luckily,
basically, clearly, obviously, apparently,
eventually, etc.

Most other adverbs go in mid-position, e.g.,
 I just need ten more minutes.
 I almost forgot to go to class.
 I’m nearly finished with my work.
 She didn’t even say goodbye.
 She’ll probably come in the end.
Before the main verb.


He works very hard – he’s very persistent.
It’s incredibly dark. I can hardly see anything.
What’s the difference? What is the meaning of
these adverbs?
HARD: very much, needing a lot of effort
HARDLY: almost NOT
I don’t like when my mother arrives late for the
dinner.
 I haven’t seen Larissa lately. She must work a
lot.
What’s the difference?



LATE: not being on time.
LATELY: these days, nowadays, recently.
At the end of the class we always get the
homework.
 It took me two years, but in the end I passed
my driving test.
What’s the difference?

At the end: when something has finished, e.g.,
at the end of the class / movie etc.
 In the end: eventually, after a period of time or
series of events or difficulties.

I love all kinds of sport, but especially ThaiChi.
 My graduation dress was specially made for
me by a dressmaker.
What’s the difference?



ESPECIALLY: above all (principalmente)
SPECIALLY: in a particular way or a particular
purpose, only used with a participle, e.g., It’s a
specially designed umbrella. (exclusivamente)




He looks older than me, but actually he is
two years younger.
Right now we’re sharing an apartment, but
hoping to move soon.
ACTUALLY: IN FACT
RIGHT NOW: now
I’ve nearly done my homework. I’m on the
last page.
 Sorry madam, do you know if there is a bank
near here?
What’s the difference?



NEARLY: almost
NEAR: close


He hasn’t found a job yet.
He still hasn’t found a job.
What’s the difference?


YET: goes at the end of a phrase
STILL: in the mid position
Have you ever been to the US?
 I’ve been all over the US– I’ve even been to
Alaska.
What’s the difference?



EVER: at any time in the past, present or
future
EVEN: used for showing that you are saying
something that is SURPRISING.



Macmillan English Dictionary
Longman Diccionario Escolar
American English File 4A
Found on ISLCOLLECTIVE