Types of Adverbs - Meaning and Examples

Having learned about adverbs and their functions in a sentence, you should definitely learn the different types of adverbs. This article will provide you with all that you need to know about the various types of adverbs in brief. Check out the examples given below as well to have a complete understanding.

Table of Contents

• How Are Adverbs Classified?
• Different Types of Adverbs with Examples
• Test Your Understanding of Types of Adverbs
• Frequently Asked Questions on Types of Adverbs in English

How Are Adverbs Classified?

Adverbs can be classified into different types in accordance with what kind of information they are providing or what they are describing.

The different types of adverbs are:

• Adverbs of manner
• Adverbs of time
• Adverbs of place
• Adverbs of frequency
• Adverbs of degree
• Conjunctive adverbs

Different Types of Adverbs with Examples

Let us now take a look at each of these adverb types in detail.

• Adverbs of Manner: These adverbs are those that describe the manner in which an action is done. Basically, it can be said that the adverbs of manner answer the question ‘how’.

Examples of adverbs of manner:

Quickly, promptly, clearly, slowly, gradually, eventually, rapidly, seriously, instantly, keenly, etc.

• Adverbs of Time: As the name suggests, the adverbs of time are used to tell the reader when some action is occurring. Adverbs of time include general time periods and specific times. We can identify an adverb of time by asking the question ‘when’.

Examples of adverbs of time:

Now, soon, today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, next month, recently, forever, etc.

• Adverbs of Place: These adverbs are used to indicate where the action mentioned in the sentence is taking place. Adverbs of place can be identified by asking the question ‘where’.

Examples of adverbs of place:

Somewhere, anywhere, nowhere, here, outside, inside, wherever, elsewhere, left, right, north, east, south, west, etc.

• Adverbs of Frequency: These adverbs are used to denote how often an action or event is happening. The adverbs of frequency can be recognised by asking the question ‘how often’.

Examples of adverbs of frequency:

Seldom, rarely, never, often, weekly, monthly, yearly, annually, usually, sometimes, occasionally, constantly, frequently, etc.

• Adverbs of Degree: These adverbs are used to indicate how intense an action of quality is. It is used to describe adjectives and adverbs. For instance, an adverb of manner expresses how fast or how slow a vehicle is moving, how hot or cold the weather is, how interesting or boring a movie is and so on.

Examples of adverbs of degree:

Very, too, extremely, much, more, most, little, less, incredibly, totally, greatly, hardly, deeply, barely, etc.

• Conjunctive Adverbs: Conjunctive adverbs perform a little differently from the other types of adverbs. These adverbs are seen to act like a conjunction to link two sentences or clauses together and hence the name, ‘conjunctive adverbs’.

Examples of conjunctive adverbs:

However, nevertheless, meanwhile, therefore, instead, likewise, notably, subsequently, rather, namely, on the other hand, incidentally, in addition to, etc.

Test Your Understanding of Types of Adverbs

Identify the adverbs in the following sentences and specify which type of adverbs they are:

1. She often visits the orphanages and old age homes in different parts of the country.

2. The tea was very hot, I almost burned my tongue.

3. It is most likely expected to rain in the month of September in India.

4. I find it difficult to keep going to the post office every week to check if my parcel has arrived.

5. I had not completed my assignment; therefore I decided to stay back home and complete it.

6. Can we go somewhere so that I can relax my mind?

7. The children became too restless because of the rumour.

8. Geetha was putting the children to sleep; meanwhile her brother cleaned the house.

9. My father went outside.

10. Next month, we will be in Chennai.

You should have guessed it all right. Let us check.

1. She often visits the orphanages and old age homes in different parts of the country. – Adverb of Frequency

2. The tea was very hot, I almost burned my tongue. – Adverb of Degree

3. It is most likely expected to rain in the month of September in India. – Adverb of Degree, Adverb of Manner

4. I find it difficult to keep going to the post office every week to check if my parcel has arrived. – Adverb of Time

5. I had not completed my assignment; therefore I decided to stay back home and complete it. – Conjunctive Adverb

6. Can we go somewhere so that I can relax my mind? – Adverb of Place

7. The children became too restless because of the rumour. – Adverb of Degree

8. Geetha was putting the children to sleep; meanwhile her brother cleaned the house. – Conjunctive Adverb

9. My father went outside. – Adverb of Place

10. Next month, we will be in Chennai. – Adverb of TIme