Adverbs in English: Types, Placement, and Examples

Adverbs are words that describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They tell us how, when, where, or to what degree something happens. Most adverbs end in -ly, but many do not (e.g. fast, soon, here). They add detail and precision to our sentences.

What is a Adverbs?

An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It gives us more information about an action, a description, or another adverb, often answering questions like how?, when?, where?, or how much?

For example, in She sings beautifully, the adverb beautifully tells us how she sings. In The test was very difficult, the adverb very tells us to what degree the test was difficult. And in He runs quite quickly, the adverb quite describes another adverb, quickly.

Type of Adverb

Type of Adverb	Definition	Examples	Example Sentences
Adverbs of Certainty	Show how sure we are about something; usually go before the main verb or after the verb "be".	definitely, probably, certainly, maybe	She definitely knows the answer. / We will probably arrive late.
Adverbs of Degree	Tell us how much or to what extent; usually come before the word they modify.	very, quite, extremely, almost, enough	The soup is very hot. / The film was extremely boring. / I almost finished my homework.
Adverbs of Manner	Tell us how something happens; most are formed by adding -ly to an adjective.	quickly, carefully, well, badly	She finished the test quickly. / He drove carefully in the rain. / They played well in the match.
Adverbs of Place	Tell us where something happens; usually come after the verb or object.	here, there, everywhere, nearby, outside	Please sit here. / I left my keys there. / A café opened nearby.
Adverbs of Time	Tell us when something happens or for how long; often go at the start or end of a sentence.	yesterday, now, soon, already, still	I saw him yesterday. / The train will arrive soon. / She has already eaten.
Interrogative Adverbs	Used to ask questions about time, place, reason, or manner/degree.	when, where, why, how	When does the class start? / Where are you going? / Why are you late? / How did you solve it?
Relative Adverbs	Introduce a clause that gives more information about a noun.	when, where, why	I remember the day when we met. / This is the café where I work