How to Use Adverbs

Using correct grammar both in your writing as well as in your speech shows others your intelligence. The correct use of adverbs can be tricky, but by following a few simple guidelines when using adverbs, you will understand just how adverbs function. Below are some rules for using adverbs correctly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use adverbs to indicate manner, time, place, cause or degree. Adverbs answer questions like "how," "when," "where," "how much." Ask yourself if the word is answering one of these questions. If so, then it is an adverb.

2. Identify adverbs in a sentence by looking for words that end in "ly." This is only one step in finding an adverb. Some adverbs do not end in "ly," and not all words ending in "ly" are adverbs. Check to see if it answers one of the questions above first.

3. Practice using adverbs that modify the verb. For example, "The rain fell hard." The adverb "hard" tells how the rain fell. In the sentence, "He will arrive soon," the adverb "soon" tells when he will arrive. Notice that neither of these adverbs end in "ly".

4. Look for adverbs that modify adjectives. For example, "The softly-spoken whisper was barely audible." "Softly" modifies the adjective "spoken" which describes "whisper".

5. Locate adverbs that modify the entire sentence such as "Unfortunately, the game was cancelled due to rain." "Unfortunately" is being applied to the entire sentence in this case.

6. Be careful of misusing adverbs in speech. People do things "well" not "good". Use adverbs to tell how something is done instead of adjectives. Say "speak slowly" or "come quickly" rather than "speak slow" or "come quick".

Tips & Warnings

• Be mindful of your word choices both in writing and in speaking. With a better understanding of how to use adverbs, you can write and speak more effectively.