Adverbs: types, examples and -ly words
What adverbs are, the types (manner, time, place, frequency and degree), how -ly adverbs work, tricky exceptions and good versus well.
By Polarzinho ·
I eat bamboo slowly, always, very happily and definitely. Four adverbs in one sentence, all true.
An adverb describes a verb, an adjective or another adverb. It tells us how, when, where, how often or how much.
Types of adverbs
- Manner (how): quickly, slowly, carefully, happily, well
- Time (when): now, yesterday, soon, later, today
- Place (where): here, there, everywhere, outside, nearby
- Frequency (how often): always, usually, often, sometimes, never
- Degree (how much): very, quite, too, almost, extremely
How -ly adverbs work
- Most adverbs of manner add -ly to an adjective: quick, quickly; careful, carefully
- Adjectives ending in -y change to -ily: happy, happily; easy, easily
- Some adverbs look like adjectives: fast, hard, late, straight
Good or well?
"Good" is an adjective (a good game). "Well" is usually the adverb (she plays well). Exception: when talking about health, "I feel well" is fine.
Practice by playing
In Letter River, you read a clue and drag across the letters on the board to spell the answer, light vocabulary practice.
PolarzinhoI play Letter River calmly. The otter plays even more calmly.
And in Stop!, write quickly: whoever is slow, loses.
PolarzinhoIn Stop! I write fast and think slowly. Sometimes it works.
FAQ
What is an adverb of frequency?
An adverb that says how often something happens: always, usually, often, sometimes, never.
Is "fast" an adjective or an adverb?
Both. "A fast car" (adjective) and "she runs fast" (adverb).
Where do adverbs of frequency go?
Usually before the main verb (I always play) but after "to be" (I am always hungry).
Your turn
Find the adverbs: "Yesterday I arrived early and slept very well." Then name each type.