Professor Simon Adverbs Meaning: The job of adverbs is to modify an adjective, a verb, or another verb. Most French adjectives can be turned into adverbs by adding ment to the end of the word in the feminine singular form. Types of adverbs: 1. Frequency: Usually placed after the verb. Note: exception: parfois is normally placed at the beginning of the sentence. Example: I always do my homework = je fais toujours mes deoirs Sometimes Luc doesnt do his homework = parfois, luc ne fait pas ses devoirs 2. Place: usually found after the direct object. Example: He put your backpack over there = il a mis ton sac dos l-bas I found the book here = jai trouv le livre ici 3. Quantity 4. Time: refers to specific days and can be placed at the beginning or end of the sentence Example: Today, Im going to buy a car = aujourdhui, je vais acheter une voiture Theyll arrive tomorrow = ells arriveront demain Placement rules: 1. Long adverbs are often placed at the beginning of the sentence 2. Adverbs that refer to a specific day can go at the beginning or end of a sentence 3. Adverbs that describe a place usually go after the direct object 4. Adverbs usually follow pas when the sentence is negative 5. Adverbs of frequency are often placed after the verb (always, never, sometimes, often) Adjective form
Adverb form
Heureuse
Heureusement
Rare
Rarement
Triste
Tristement
Rapide
Rapidement
Actuelle
Actuellement
Gnerale
Gneralement
Note: Some irregular verbs
1. Bien 2. Parfois 3. Souvent 4. Vite Exemples: They drove quickly = ils conduis rapidement She sometimes gets up early = elle souvent leve en avance Exercice 1: give the correct translation 1. Mal 2. Its right next to you 3. Hier 4. I cant eat all that 5. Trop 6. Ensuite Exercice 2: correct the placement and formation of the adverbs 1. Il boit trop (Parfois). He drinks too 2. Mon frre est intelligent (peu). My brother is intelligent 3. Je ferai mes devoirs (demain). I will do my homework 4. Je suis heureuse (toujours). I am happy
5. Nous allons la plage (aujourdhui). We are going to the beach