Daily Grammar

Lesson 161

Parts of the Sentence - Adverbs

Adverbs are words that modify (1) verbs, (2) adjectives, and (3) other adverbs. They tell how (manner), when (time), where (place), how much (degree), and why (cause).

Why is a common one-word adverb that tells why. Adverbs that tell us how, when, where, and why always modify the verb. These adverbs can shift location in the sentence without changing meaning or what they modify. Adverbs that tell us how much modify adjectives or other adverbs. Adverbs that tell how much will come just before the adjectives or adverbs that they modify. These adverbs are also called qualifiers because they strengthen or weaken the words they modify.

Examples:
He kicked the ball solidly. (how)
He kicked the ball immediately. (when)
He kicked the ball forward. (where)
He kicked the ball too hard. (how much)

Not and its contraction n't are adverbs. They really modify the entire sentence, but we will have them modify the verb as it is the most important word in the sentence. This is a common practice in grammar books.

Instructions: Find the adverbs in the following sentences and tell what word they modify. They will all modify the verb.

1. Did you ever return the video?

Did you ever return the video?
  - ever modifies did return

2. He did not answer but just looked up sadly.

He did not answer but just looked up sadly.
  - not modifies did answer
  - just, up, and sadly modify looked

3. Now I surely know the answer.

Now I surely know the answer.
  - Now and surely modify know

4. He completely forgot about the video.

He completely forgot about the video.
  - completely modifies forgot

5. Lanie already returned it for you.

Lanie already returned it for you.
  - already modifies returned

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