Adverb

Adverb says something about a verb or an adjective or an adverb. Adverb is a heterogeneous word class, varying greatly in their functional and positional ranges. They constitute a series of overlapping sub category, and some of them belong to more than one sub categories. An adverb can be the head of an adverb phrase. Adverbial is the name of a constituent of a sentence, so adverbial can be contrasted with complements of the verb such as subject predicative and direct object. An adverb phrase as a whole can work as an adverbial. For example: I met my sister where she was dancing. (In this sentence ‘where she was dancing’ is the adverbial phrase signifying a place.)
Examples of Adverbs:
He was talking openly.
I was discussing it broadly.
Don’t roam aimlessly.
Robin is always hungry for success.
I love her very much.
He is running fast.
Alex works hard.
He wrote that willingly.

Grammatically, we can distinguish three major functions of adverbs (alone or with modifiers) as adverbials:

Conjuncts:
An adverbial whose function is to join two sentences or other discourse units (e.g. however, anyway, in the first place). A conjunctive adverb connects phrases or independent clauses. It provides transitions between ideas and shows relationships.
Conjunctive adverbs are also called connectors.
Example:
It rained last night. Nonetheless, the final match has not been canceled.
We are still confused, however, if the umpires will come.
Last season there was a great drought; consequently, we could not grow crops.

Disjuncts:
An adverb or adverbial phrase that expresses a writer’s or speaker’s attitude to the content of the sentence in which it occurs (such as frankly, obviously), or places the sentence in a particular context (such as technically, politically). Disjuncts can be Inessential for the sentence to express its meaning.
Example:
Fortunately for you, I have it right here.
Frankly, this whole paragraph needs work.
Interestingly, the comment made for a great topic of its own.
Luckily, the amount of sugar the recipe called for was in stock in the pantry.
Clearly, the mail did not come today due to it being a national holiday.
Unfortunately, by the time she reached the bus stop, the bus had already left.
Sadly, not one of them survived.

Adjuncts:
In linguistics, adjunct is a word or phrase that constitutes an optional element or is considered of secondary importance in a sentence. An adjunct is a structurally dispensable clause or phrase that, if removed or discarded, will not otherwise affect the remainder of the sentence.
Example:
John helped Bill in Central Park.
We left some flowers on the table.

Types of adverbs
Adverbs of manner
The adverbs that express the manner/approach/process of the action in the sentence are called adverbs of manner.
These modifiers explain how something is done.
Examples: Carefully; slowly; quickly, beautifully, equally, thankfully, carefully, handily, quickly, coldly, hotly, resentfully, earnestly, nicely, tirelessly, etc. are common adverbs of manner.

Adverbs of frequency
These adverbs tell us how frequently we do things.
Examples: Always, usually, never.

Adverbs of Relative Time
These adverbs give us information about when an action took place or an occurrence of an event in relation to another point in time.
Examples: Just, afterward, soon, currently, presently, recently.

Adverbs of degree
Adverbs that express the importance or degree or level of the action in the sentence are called adverbs of degree.
Examples:
Completely, nearly, entirely, less, mildly, most, thoroughly, somewhat, excessively, much, etc. are common adverbs of degree

There are two categories:
Intensifiers (strengthen adverbs adjectives and adverbs): extremely, very, really and Down- toners (make them weaker): fairly, quite, rather.
Examples:
We are very hungry.
We ran fairly quickly.
Sentence position: Used before the word it qualifies. (e.g.) very old, terribly slowly.
With modal verbs, place the adverb before the word you want to qualify. Consider the following:
You really must get some rest.
You must really get some rest.

Adverbs of quantity
These adverbs give us information about quantity.
Examples: A lot, a little, much , etc.
Sentence position: Usually at the end of a clause
She wept a lot/a little. He doesn’t teach a lot/much.

Adverbs of place/direction
It indicates the place/direction of the action in a sentence.
Examples: Across, over, under, in, out, through, backward, there, around, here, sideways, upstairs, in the park, in the field, in that place, etc. are some common adverbs of place/direction.

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Exercise

1. Insert the adverbs or adverb phrases from the parenthesis in the sentences.
a. I go to the library. (often)
b. I know the answer. (already)
c. The train has left. (already)
d. This is not bad. (enough)
e. He is in time for class. (never)
f. They invite me for coffee. (often)
g. I opposed him. (strongly)
h. I talked to them. (sadly)
i. I call my mother at nine. (usually)
j. He did it. (again)

2. Pick out the adverbs and classify them.
a. Try again.
b. She is too lazy.
c. We work very fast.
d. He is quite sure.
e. I’m much relieved to hear it.
f. The bus arrived a few minutes late.
g. He is old enough to know what to do.
h. You need not roar.
i. He has shamefully treated.
j. I wonder you never told me.
k. I surely expect him today.
l. He is dressed all in black.
m. The teacher is somewhat better.
n. This is very nice.
o. Her son is out in India.

3. Sort out adjectives and adverbs.
a. It is a nice book.
b. Do yoga daily.
c. Do not sleep late.
d. I had a nice sleep.
e. I watched a nice movie.
f. I had a clean bed.
g. Do finish it early.
h. They all are good people.
i. Give him the best fruit.
j. They did it in the evening.