Basic Types of Adverbs in English! Learn useful usage, example words, and example sentences of different adverbs types in English with ESL printable infographic.
Important Types of Adverbs in Grammar Lesson
Basic Types of Adverbs
Adverbs of Time
Usage:
Describes when or for how long a certain action happened.
Example words:
Already, ago, before, yet, never, soon, yesterday, soon, lately…
Example sentences:
- I have heard this before.
- I have not seen him since.
- I haven’t spoken to her yet.
- She’ll be here soon.
- I haven’t been feeling so well lately.
- We’ve never been to New York.
- He left the house over an hour ago.
Adverbs of Frequency
Usage:
Describes how often something occurs, either indefinite or indefinite terms.
Example words:
List of Adverbs of Frequency: Always, usually, normally, often, sometimes, occasionally, once, seldom, rarely, never…
Example sentences:
- It’s always cold in this room.
- I usually just have a sandwich for lunch.
- I normally go to the gym.
- They often go out for dinner.
- Sometimes it’s best not to say anything.
- I occasionally eat junk food.
- I seldom read the newspaper.
- I hardly ever drink alcohol.
- I never go to the cinema. I don’t like it.
- I have told you twice. (definite)
Adverbs of Place
Usage:
Tells about where something happens or where something is.
Example words:
Here, everywhere, near, nearby, down, away, backwards, upwards…
Example sentences:
- There was somebody standing nearby.
- Is that your scarf there?
- I’ve lived here for about two years.
- The sun’s going down and it’ll be dark soon.
- Ms Watson is away on holiday until the end of the week.
- I walked backwards towards the door.
- She turned her face upwards to the sun.
Adverbs of Manner
Usage:
Shows how or what way something happens or is done.
Example words:
So, slowly, badly, beautifully, delightfully, loudly, anxiously…
Example sentences:
- The soldiers fought bravely.
- Is that so?
- Could you please speak more slowly?
- She dresses beautifully.
- He had a delightfully dry sense of humour.
- We waited anxiously by the phone.
- I thought he was treated very badly.
Adverbs of Degree
Usage:
Shows how much, or in what degree or to what extent of qualities, properties, states, conditions and relations.
Example words:
Almost, fully, rather, quite, too, enough, perfectly,…
Example sentences:
- I am fully prepared.
- I am rather busy.
- She’s almost 30.
- The two situations are quite different.
- It’s too hard (for me) to explain.
- Have you had enough (to eat)?
- They’re perfectly suited.
Adverbs of Affirmation and Negation
Usage:
Answers that something is true or some equivalent negative statement.
Example words:
Certainly, surely, apparently, obviously, no, undoubtedly…
Example sentences:
- Surely you are mistaken.
- He is undoubtedly the best swimmer in the team.
- The design certainly looks good on paper.
- Apparently, it’s going to rain today.
- He was in tears and obviously very upset.
- It is undoubtedly one of the best movies of the year.
EWO OFFICIAL
Monday 30th of October 2023
appreciated
Debasmita Maiti
Wednesday 2nd of March 2022
We went to the park in the evening - where is the adverb?
jenny
Monday 20th of December 2021
This is very good ideas.
Okoth Opande
Monday 30th of August 2021
Good info. Thank you
Matson Kawanda
Friday 27th of August 2021
I have really enjoyed the discussion on the 6 types of adverbs. I will use the knowledge gained from the discussion to teach my students in the Teachers' College. Thank you for your contribution. Kawanda Matson (Dr)