Transcript Parts of Speech: Adverbs

Parts of Speech: Adverbs
With Help from
Martin Prince
What is an Adverb?
• An adverb is a word used to modify a verb,
an adjective, or another adverb.
• Some adverbs—really, actually, truly,
indeed, etc.—are used mostly for emphasis.
Classify these as adverbs of extent.
– Martin is indeed a smart student.
Modifying Verbs
• The adverb is used most commonly as the
modifier of a verb. It may tell how, when,
where, or to what extent (how often or how
much) the action of the verb is done.
– Martin squeals eagerly on the bad students in
his class.
Modifying Adjectives
• An adverb may modify an adjective.
– Martin is a really good choice for class
president. [Really modifies the adjective good,
telling how good or to what extent he is good at
being president.]
Modifying Adverbs
• An adverb may modify another adverb.
– Martin behaves very well. [the adverb very
modifies the adverb well, telling how well.]
Note on Not
• Not is classified as an adverb:
– Martin is not the most popular kid.
Nouns Used as Adverbs
• Some nouns may be used adverbially:
– Martin, Milhouse, Nelson, and Bart left
yesterday for the National Grammar Rodeo.
– The boys will come back tomorrow or Monday.
• In identifying parts of speech, these nouns
used in this way should be labeled as
adverbs.
Practice
• Identify the each adverb and state which word
each modifies. Also tell whether the adverb
expresses how, when, where, or to what extent:
– Martin, a really good student in Bart’s class, spoke
hurriedly in front of the class today.
– Although Martin thought he would lose the election, he
is actually a winner.
– Nelson would very often stuff Martin into lockers
purposefully, even though he would always get in
trouble for it.
Practice (Corrected)
• Martin, a really good student in Bart’s class,
spoke hurriedly in front of the class today.
• Although Martin thought he would lose the
election, he is actually a winner.
• Nelson would very often stuff Martin into
lockers purposefully, even though he would
always get in trouble for it.