Adverbs

Adverbs often perform the following functions:

O Modifies a verb 1) The balrog snorted angrily.O Modifies an adjective 2) The balrog emitted incredibly terrifying screams.O Modifies an adverb t3) The balrog screamed quite loudly.

What is an adverb?

OAn adverb provides additional information regarding the action described by the verb. Adverbs tells us how, in what manner, where, when or to what extent an action is performed.

An adverb answers one of five questions about the word or phrase that it modifies. Questions ExamplesO How/in what manner? My daughter sang

softly. O When? John arrived late.O Where? Does the balrog live

there?O How often? The balrog often

appears at night. O To what extent/degree? It came as a complete

shock to him.

Adverbs modifying verbs

Adverbs modify the verb phrases Example:O Our home construction has been going

well. (Well modifies the auxiliary verb, has been and the main verb, going.)

O Lately, my students have shown interest. O My students have shown interest lately. (lately modifies have shown)

Adverbs modifying adjectives

1) Learning a second language is too difficult.

adv adj

2) Jon Stewart’s jokes are always funny. adv adj

How does adverbs modify adjectives?

As you can see from the examples on the previous slide, the adverb comes directly before the adjective that it modifies.

Adverbs modifying adverbs

1) Amrita has performed quite well. adv adv2) Michael eat his food very slowly. adv adv

How can adverbs modify adverbs?

As you saw in the examples on the previous slide, the modifying adverb must come directly before the adverb that it modifies.

Adjectives or Adverbs?

The test to decide whether a word is an adjective or an adverb is to examine which word it modifies.

Examine the underlined words. Adjectives or Adverbs?

1) Daniel Craig performed brilliantly in Skyfall.

2) The friendly girls helped my mom.

O Brilliantly is an adverb because it modifies a verb.

O Friendly is an adjective because it modifies a noun.

Practice ExerciseO Write a paragraph (no more than 50

words) describing ONE of your experiences in Guyana.