Miriah Abbondandolo

FRNC 202 Spring 2015

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