Adverbs are a flexible component of the English language which alter verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or whole clauses to offer more details about the manner, timing, location, or degree of an activity. Adverbs are formed through different methods, and there are multiple patterns and exceptions to take into account.
Forming adverbs by adding the suffix "-ly to adjectives:
Adverbs are often created by adding the suffix "-ly" to adjectives.
Quick (adjective) → Quickly (adverb)
The adverb "quickly" specifies how an activity is carried out, such as performing a task rapidly.
Irregular adverbs:
Certain adverbs differ from the typical "-ly" pattern and exhibit irregular forms.
Adjective: good → Adverb: well
"Good" is used to modify nouns, while "well" is used to modify actions or a manner of doing something.
Adverbs lacking "-ly" Endings:
Some adverbs retain the same form as their corresponding adjectives and do not finish in "-ly."
Adjective: swift → Adverb: swiftly
REMEMBER! The adverb "fast" modifies verbs while the adjective "fast" modifies nouns.
Phrasal Adverbs:
Adverbs can be created by combining prepositions or adverbs with nouns, verbs, or adjectives.
Adverbial Phrase: up + early ⇒ Adverb: up early
The adverbial phrase "up early" specifies the timing of an action, denoting an early hour.
Noun-derived adverbs:
Some adverbs are created simply by utilizing nouns as they are, without modification.
Noun: daily → Adverb: daily
The adverb "daily" describes the frequency of an action, indicating that it occurs everyday.
Adverbial Compounds:
Compound adverbs are created by merging two or more words.
Compound adverb: nevertheless
"Nevertheless" is a compound adverb that signifies "in spite of that" or "nonetheless."
Exceptions:
Here is a short list of irregular adverbs:
Good > Well
Fast > Fast
Hard >Hard
Daily > Daily
Straight > Straight
Late > Late
Early > Early