How to Use Adverbs - A Handy Guide - Common English Errors

A handy guide on how to use adverbs correctly. Learn the correct order of adverbs and how to avoid common adverb mistakes.

Adverbs are words that modify the meaning of a verb or an adjective. Here are some examples:

He spoke loudly. (Adverbs of manner)
Please, come here! (Adverbs of place)
I’ll see you tomorrow. (Adverbs of time)
You should practice it twice. (Adverbs of frequency)

In the examples of above, the words that modify the meaning of the verb are adverbs.

Loudly modifies the manner in which he spoke.
Here modifies the place where I’m asking you to come.
Tomorrow modifies the time when I’m planning to see you.
Twice modifies the frequency with which you should practice it.

Types of Adverbs

Adverbs of Manner
Adverbs of Place
Adverbs of Time
Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of Manner: As illustrated above, words that answer how an action is performed, are categorized as adverbs of manner. For example, words such as carefully, quickly, beautifully and clearly define the verb in a sentence.

NOTE: Although many adverbs end with a ‘-ly’, not all words with a ‘-ly’ are adverbs. Some of them can be adjective also. Here are some examples of words that not adverbs.

This is a weekly magazine.
It’s such a ghastly act.
let’s go for a leisurely walk.
He’s such a friendly person.

List of Adverbs Not Ending in -ly

Similarly, many words remain the same whether you use them as adjectives or adverbs. Here are some examples:

We’re close friends. (adjective)
Andy stood close to the door. (adverb)

He didn’t have a fair chance to win this competition. (adjective)
I don’t think she played fair. (adverb, meaning she cheated)

He loves fast cars. (adjective)
I don’t want to drive fast. (not fastly) (adverb)

I want a straight answer (adjective)
He went straight to his office (adverb)

Adverbs of Place: Words that answer the question “where” are “adverbs of place”. Here are some examples:

Can you come downstairs!
Please, sit down!
I searched for you everywhere.
Keep it inside your bag.
Stay close to your father.

Adverbs of Time: Words that answer the question “when” are “adverbs of time”. Here are some examples:

I met him last year.
We’ve met before.
You need to start now.
I quit five years ago.

Adverbs of Frequency: Words that answer the question “how often” are “adverbs of frequency”. Here are some examples:

I saw him only once.
He always gets late for his bus.
She never wants to meet you.
She rarely checks her emails.

Using Multiple Adverbs in Correct Order

When a sentence takes multiple adverbs, it’s important to use them in correct order. Here’s an example:

I met him reluctantly at the college twice yesterday.

The above sentence has four adverbs such as reluctantly (manner), at the college (place), twice (frequency), and yesterday (time).

As per the rules (royal order of adverbs), adverbs should appear in the following order.

1. Manner
2. Place
3. Frequency
4. Time
5. Purpose

Here are some more examples:

I’d like to see you / in my cabin / in ten minutes.
Speak truthfully / in the courtroom / tomorrow.
She danced happily / at her wedding / yesterday.

NOTE: Unlike adjectives, you can alter the order of adverbs in order to convey a particular meaning.

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