Types of Adverbs

Having understood what adverbs are and how they function in a sentence, it is equally important to learn about the different types of adverbs. Each type of adverb serves a unique purpose some tell us how an action happens, while others explain when, where, or how often it takes place.

In this guide, you will learn about the various types of adverbs in English, along with clear explanations and examples to help you use them correctly in sentences. Understanding these types will make your writing more descriptive, accurate, and expressive.

Table of Contents

• How Many Types of Adverbs Are There?
• Practice Exercises on Types of Adverbs
• Frequently Asked Questions on Types of Adverbs

How Many Types of Adverbs Are There?

Like other parts of speech such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives, adverbs also come in different types. These types are classified based on what kind of information they provide such as when, where, how, or how often an action happens. Let’s explore the six main types of adverbs with clear meanings and examples.

1. Conjunctive Adverbs

A conjunctive adverb is used to connect two independent clauses or sentences. It works like a conjunction but functions grammatically as an adverb. These adverbs show relationships such as contrast, cause and effect, sequence, or comparison.

Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs:
however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, instead, meanwhile, consequently, furthermore, otherwise, accordingly

Examples in Sentences:

• I planned to call you last night; however, I fell asleep early.

• The shop was closed; therefore, we ordered online.

• We missed the train; nevertheless, we reached on time by taxi.

2. Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often an action happens. They describe whether something occurs regularly, rarely, or occasionally.

Examples of Adverbs of Frequency:
always, never, often, sometimes, usually, rarely, occasionally, frequently, daily, weekly, monthly

Examples in Sentences:

• I always start my day with a cup of coffee.

• She rarely watches television.

• They visit their grandparents every weekend.

3. Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of time indicate when an action takes place. These adverbs can refer to specific times, durations, or general time frames.

Examples of Adverbs of Time:
today, yesterday, tomorrow, now, later, soon, recently, yet, already, early, late, tonight, since, still

Examples in Sentences:

• We will leave for the airport tomorrow.

• I haven’t seen her yet.

• Recently, our school organized a science exhibition.

4. Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed. They often answer the question “in what way?” and are frequently formed by adding “–ly” to adjectives.

Examples of Adverbs of Manner:
carefully, quickly, softly, bravely, wisely, slowly, loudly, neatly, politely, eagerly, beautifully

Examples in Sentences:

• She spoke softly to calm the baby.

• The students listened carefully during the lecture.

• He ran quickly to catch the bus.

5. Adverbs of Degree

Adverbs of degree describe the intensity or extent of an action, adjective, or another adverb. They often act as intensifiers or limiters.

Examples of Adverbs of Degree:
very, quite, almost, completely, extremely, really, too, barely, enough, deeply, totally

Examples in Sentences:

• The movie was extremely interesting.

• She almost missed her flight.

• I am very proud of your performance.

6. Adverbs of Place

Adverbs of place show where an action occurs or the direction or position of something. They usually answer the question “where?”

Examples of Adverbs of Place:
here, there, everywhere, nowhere, outside, inside, above, below, near, far, away, around

Examples in Sentences:

• The children are playing outside.

• Please come here and take a seat.

• We searched everywhere for the missing file.

Practice Exercises on Types of Adverbs

Test your understanding of the types of adverbs with the following exercises. These activities will help you identify and use different adverbs correctly in sentences.

Exercise 1: Identify the Type of Adverb

Read each sentence and identify which type of adverb is used - Manner, Time, Place, Frequency, Degree, or Conjunctive.

1. I will call you later.

2. She danced gracefully at the event.

3. We go for a walk every morning.

4. The cat is hiding under the sofa.

5. It is too cold to go outside.

6. I wanted to join you; however, I was too busy.

7. They visit their cousins often.

8. The plane landed safely after the storm.

9. He hasn’t finished his work yet.

10. The kids ran outside to play.

Answer: 1. Time 2. Manner 3. Frequency 4. Place 5. Degree 6. Conjunctive 7. Frequency 8. Manner 9. Time 10. Place

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with Suitable Adverbs

Choose the correct adverb from the bracket and complete the sentences.

1. She sings __________ (beautifully / beautiful).

2. We will meet __________ (tomorrow / yesterday).

3. He almost missed the train, but he got there __________ (in time / nowhere).

4. You should speak __________ (politely / never) to elders.

5. I __________ forget to carry my ID card. (rarely / soon)

6. The children are playing __________ (inside / quickly).

7. I am __________ sure about this decision. (completely / late)

8. We waited __________ for the bus to arrive. (patiently / soon)

9. She works out __________ to stay healthy. (daily / here)

10. The movie was __________ interesting. (extremely / nowhere)

Answer: 

1. She sings beautifully. (Adverb of Manner)

2. We will meet tomorrow. (Adverb of Time)

3. He almost missed the train, but he got there in time. (Adverb of Time)

4. You should speak politely to elders. (Adverb of Manner)

5. I rarely forget to carry my ID card. (Adverb of Frequency)

6. The children are playing inside. (Adverb of Place)

7. I am completely sure about this decision. (Adverb of Degree)

8. We waited patiently for the bus to arrive. (Adverb of Manner)

9. She works out daily to stay healthy. (Adverb of Frequency)

10. The movie was extremely interesting. (Adverb of Degree)

Exercise 3: Transform the Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences by adding a suitable adverb of the type mentioned in brackets.

1. She reads books. (Add an adverb of frequency)

2. He finished his project. (Add an adverb of time)

3. The baby cried. (Add an adverb of manner)

4. They met their friends. (Add an adverb of place)

5. She answered the question. (Add an adverb of degree)

Answer: 

1. She often reads books. (Adverb of Frequency)

2. He finished his project yesterday. (Adverb of Time)

3. The baby cried loudly. (Adverb of Manner)

4. They met their friends outside. (Adverb of Place)

5. She answered the question very confidently. (Adverb of Degree)

Frequently Asked Questions on Types of Adverbs

Q1. How many types are in an adverb?

Answer: There are typically six main types of adverbs: adverbs of manner, time, place, frequency, degree, and conjunctive adverbs. Other classifications include interrogative, relative, and focusing adverbs, though the six mentioned above are the most commonly cited.

Q2. What are the 7 types of adverbs with examples?

Answer: The 7 main types of adverbs are manner, time, place, frequency, degree, purpose, and conjunctive. Manner describes how an action is done (e.g., softly, quickly), time tells when (e.g., now, yesterday), place indicates where (e.g., here, outside), frequency specifies how often (e.g., always, rarely), degree shows intensity (e.g., very, almost), purpose explains why (e.g., for this reason), and conjunctive adverbs connect ideas (e.g., however, therefore).

Q3. How do you identify an adverb?

Answer: To identify an adverb, look for words that modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb by answering questions like how, when, where, or to what extent. Many adverbs end in "-ly," but many common ones, such as "fast," "late," "here," or "now," do not.

Q4. What are the 10 types of adverbs of time?

Answer: Soon now, later, then, tomorrow, today, day after tomorrow, everyday, weekly, annually, quarterly, yearly, yesterday, last month, tonight, last week, immediately, etc. are some examples of adverbs of time.

Q5. Which type of adverb is important?

Answer: Adverbs of frequency are used to express time or how often something occurs. Adverbs of frequency can be split into two main groups. Adverbs of purpose, sometimes called adverbs of reason, help to describe why something happened. Adverbs of purpose are used to connect sentences.

Q6. Which type of adverb is only?

Answer: "Only" is a focusing adverb or an adverb of degree because it emphasizes exclusivity, limitation, or a single point. It can also function as a negative adverb and can be used as an adjective or conjunction in different contexts. 

Q7. What type of adverb is very​?

Answer: "Very" is an adverb of degree, also known as an intensifier. It is used to specify the degree to which an adjective or another adverb applies, often meaning "to a great extent". For example, it modifies the adjective in the sentence "she is very kind". 

Q8. What type of adverb is always​?

Answer: "Always" is an adverb of frequency, which indicates how often an action occurs. It is used to describe something that happens continuously or at all times, and it can be contrasted with adverbs like "sometimes" or "never". 

Q9. What type of adverb is never​?

Answer: "Never" is an adverb of frequency, which indicates how often an action occurs. It is also a negative adverb because it means "not at any time".