What You Need to Know

An adverb is a word that describes a verb (action word). Adverbs tell us how something happens (She ran quickly), when it happens (We eat later), or where it happens (They played outside). Many adverbs of manner are formed by adding -ly to an adjective: quick → quickly, loud → loudly, careful → carefully.

Key Concepts

How?

quickly, slowly, loudly

When?

today, soon, later, always

Where?

here, outside, nearby

-ly ending

loud → loudly

How (manner):

She sang beautifully.
He ran quickly.
They spoke quietly.

When (time):

We eat soon.
She always smiles.
I did it yesterday.

Where (place):

Come here.
Go outside.
She is nearby.

Key Vocabulary

Adverb

A word that describes a verb — it tells us how, when or where an action happens.

Manner Adverb

An adverb that tells us HOW something is done, e.g. quickly, carefully, loudly. Often ends in -ly.

Time Adverb

An adverb that tells us WHEN something happens, e.g. today, tomorrow, soon, already, never.

Place Adverb

An adverb that tells us WHERE something happens, e.g. here, there, outside, nearby, everywhere.

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which word is an adverb in this sentence: "The dog barked loudly."

dog barked loudly the

Question 2

Which adverb tells us WHEN something happens?

carefully outside quietly tomorrow

Question 3

What is the adverb form of the adjective "slow"?

slowly slowed slowing slower

Question 4

What word type does an adverb describe?

A noun A verb An adjective A sentence

Adverbs