GRAMMAR I

ADVERBS

Adverbs: are one of the four lexical word classes. Adverbs are common in all registers but
less common than nouns and verbs and most common in conversation and fiction. Adverbs often
occur as clause elements (adverbials); they occur together with lexical verbs adding information.
Adverbial particles are very commonly used as part of phrasal verbs.

The function of adverbs: adverbs serve two major roles: they can be integrated into an
element of the clause, or they themselves can be an element of the clause. In the first case the
adverb serves as modifier; in the second case, the adverb is an adverbial
When adverbs are modifiers they usually modify an adjective or another adverb:

I am almost positive he came round and borrowed the money.

You must figure out the amount to be paid reasonably accurately

When adverbs are adverbials they give different information about time, manner, degree,
place, etc.

I think they’ll be arriving shortly. (time)

Possibly they tolerated his shortcomings better than we did. (degree of certainty)

It is important to note that the same adverbs can function as modifiers and adverbials.

To see him once again after so many years was strangely pleasing. (modifier)
The surprisingly simple calculations were done in a few minutes. (modifier)
Strangely, everyone slept soundly through the storm. (adverbial)
Surprisingly, he appeared when we least expected him. (adverbial)

THE FORMATION OF ADVERBS:

Sometimes adverbs are described as words ending in –ly, this is not always true because
there are four major categories for the formation of adverbs:

Simple adverbs: these are not derived from another word i.e. well, too, rather, quite, soon
and here. Sometimes a simple adverb form can be used as another part of speech, for
example fast can be used as an adverb and an adjective; down can be a preposition as well as
an adverb

Compounds: these adverbs are formed by combining two or more elements into a single
word i.e. anyway, nowhere, heretofore.

Adverbs derived by suffixation: many adverbs are formed by suffixing –ly to an adjective
i.e. clearly, strongly, slowly, quickly. Some adjectives end in -ly such as weekly and
fatherly that can be used as adjectives and adverbs. There is also the case of friendly in
which case it is common to say in a friendly way. Two relatively common forms of

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 suffixation are –wise fanwise, crabwise, clockwise; and –ward(s) added to nouns
homewards, seawards; and prepositions onwards, afterwards.

Fixed phrases: some fixed phrases are used as adverbs, they never vary in form and the
component words have lost their individual meaning: of course, kind of and at last.

In conversation many simple adverbs are adverbials used to establish time and place: again,
always, already, far, here, never, now, soon, still, then, yet.
Some common modifying adverbs are: very, rather, quite, pretty.
Stance adverbials express author’s attitudes possibly, probably, certainly, expectedly, obviously.
In academic prose –ly adverbs are used to express processes or conditions: rapidly, relatively,
particularly.

Adjectives and adverbs with the same form: sometimes there are words that can be used as both:
daily, weekly, early, high, late, low, straight, direct, deep.

This mattress is too hard to sleep on . (adj.)

James works hard all week so he likes resting at weekends. (adv.)
John loves driving fast cars but he isn’t always careful. (adj.)
Kim ran fast but she didn’t win the race. (adv.)
The early bird catches the first worm. (adj.)
Thomas arrived early, quite surprisingly. (adv.)

When some of these words add an –ly the meaning is different:

I am deeply grateful for your help.

I have hardly any money left after my holidays.
Jane’s boss thinks very highly of her work.

Well is an adverb, but it can be used as an adjective when talking about health.

Tim plays the guitar well, but he doesn’t sing very well.
Are you feeling well today?

In conversation adjectives are commonly used instead of adverbs, these constructions are
considered non-standard English.

The big one went so slow.

They want to know if it runs smooth.
It’s running good now.
They go good with baggy jeans.
It came our real good!
She’s a real nice girl.

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