Grammar notes on how to use adverbs and adverbials in English

2.  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.”

3.  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.

4.  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.

5.  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.

6.  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.

7.  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.

8.  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.

9. 1. Time
2. Comment
3. Degree
4. Manner
5. Frequency
6. Degree
7. Time
8. Degree
9. Comment
10. Place
1. Immediately
2. Unfortunately
3. Incredibly
4. Shouted angrily
5. Normally
6. Slightly
7. Last month
8. A lot
9. Eventually
10. Here

10. 1. She liked the present very much .
2. Mark came home very late last
night.
3. A young man was badly injured
and was taken to the hospital.
4. She’s a little bit lazy about doing
her homework.
5. I almost forgot your birthday, but
fortunately my sister reminded
me.
6. Luckily we had taken an umbrella
because it started to rain just after
we left.
7. Apparently Jack has been fired.
Correct the following sentences.
1. She liked very much the present.
2. Mark came last night very late
home.
3. A young man was injured badly
and was taken to the hospital.
4. She’s lazy a little bit about doing
her homework.
5. I forgot your birthday almost, but
fortunately my sister reminded
me.
6. We luckily had taken an umbrella
because it started to rain just after
we left.
7. Jack has been apparently fired.

11.  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

12.  LATE: not being on time.
 LATELY: these days, nowadays, recently.
 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?

13.  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.

14.  I love all kinds of sport, but especiallyThai-
Chi.
 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)

15.  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

16.  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

17.  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

18.  EVER: at any time in the past, present or
future
 EVEN: used for showing that you are saying
something that is SURPRISING.
 Have you ever been to the US?
 I’ve been all over the US– I’ve even been to
Alaska.
What’s the difference?

19.  Macmillan English Dictionary
 Longman Dicionárió Escolar
 American English File 4A