Adverb clauses are whole clauses that function as an adverb. They usually begin with a subordinating conjunction (such as although, as, because, before, than, that, unless, when, where, and why).
Soledad 's cat always came when it was called. [The adverb clause modifies came. ] Before you answer, think a minute. [The adverb clause modifies think.]
adverbs
Common Adverbs
Conjunctive Adverbs
Interrogative Adverbs
Comparison of Adverbs
Placement of Adverbs
An adverb modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or an entire clause.
The wrecking ball hit the building hard. [The adverb hard, modifying the verb hit, tells how the ball hit the building.]
The graphics department used extremely bright colors. [The adverb extremely modifies the adjective bright.]
The redesigned brake pad lasted much longer. [The adverb much modifies another adverb, longer.]
Surprisingly, the machine failed. [The adverb surprisingly modifies an entire clause: the machine failed.]
COMMON ADVERBS
Most adverbs answer one of the following questions: Where? When? How? How much? How often?
Move the throttle forward slightly. [Where?]
Replace the thermostat immediately. [When?]
Add the bleach cautiously. [How?]
Talk less and listen more. [How much?]
I have worked overtime twice this week. [How often?]
CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS
Conjunctive adverbs function simultaneously as both connectives and modifiers. Typical conjunctive adverbs are however, therefore, nonetheless, nevertheless, consequently, and accordingly. For a more complete list, see conjunctive adverbs.
The drive to the mountain takes six hours; consequently, we will leave early Friday morning. [The conjunctive adverb consequently connects (relates) the clause before the semicolon to the clause after, which it also modifies.]
INTERROGATIVE ADVERBS
Interrogative adverbs ask questions. The most common interrogative adverbs are where, when, why, and how.
How many hours did you study last week?
Where are we going when finals are over?
Why did it take so long to complete your homework?
COMPARISON OF ADVERBS
Most one-syllable adverbs are made comparative by adding -er and made superlative by adding -est.
Copier A prints darker than copier B.
Copier A prints darkest of the three copiers tested.
Most adverbs of two or more syllables are made comparative by inserting more (or less) in front of them and made superlative by inserting most (or least).
Copier A runs more smoothly than copier B.
Copier A runs most smoothly of all the copiers tested.
A few irregular adverbs change form to indicate comparison. Here are some examples:
| |
COMPARATIVE |
SUPERLATIVE |
| well |
better |
best |
| badly |
worse |
worst |
| far |
farther, further |
farthest, furthest |
When in doubt, check a dictionary.
PLACEMENT OF ADVERBS
An adverb may appear almost anywhere in a sentence, but its position may affect the meaning of the sentence. Avoid placing an adverb between two ele ments where it can be read ambiguously as modifying either.
Drinking frequently causes liver damage. [Ambiguous: Does frequently modify the subject, drinking, or the verb, causes?]
Frequently, drinking causes liver damage, [clear] Frequent drinking causes liver damage, [clear]
To prevent ambiguity, place adverbs of degree, such as nearly, only, almost, just, and hardly, immediately before the words they limit.
change Drink Alsatian Alps bottled water only for a week, and you'll feel better for a month.
TO Drink Alsatian Alps bottled water for only a week, and you'll feel better for a mpnth.
In the first sentence, only could be modifying drink -that is, calling for an Alsatian Alps-only diet. In the second sentence, only unambiguously modifies a week. (See also misplaced modifiers and squinting modifiers.)
Depending on the emphasis desired, adverbs can often be placed either before or after the element they modify.
The gauge dipped suddenly. [The placement emphasizes suddenly]
The gauge suddenly dipped. [The placement emphasizes dipped.]
But beware of unintentional changes of meaning when you move modifiers. Consider the following sentences, which all have different meanings simply because of the relocation of one adverb, just.
He just bought flowers for me on Sunday, [modifies bought (verb)]
He bought flowers just for me on Sunday, [modifies/or me (prepositional phrase functioning as adverb)]
He bought flowers for me just on Sunday, [modifies on Sunday (prepositional phrase functioning as adverb)]
Although adverbs can be located in many places in a sentence, depending
on the desired meaning or emphasis, they should normally not be placed
between verb and object.
Ana opened the door slowly.
OR
Slowly, Ana opened the door.
An adverb may be placed between a helping verb and a main verb, especially if
the adverb modifies only the main verb.
The alternative proposal has been effectively presented.
Be on guard against awkwardness, however, when you insert an adverb phrase
between a helping verb and the main verb.
