Lesson 3: Common Adverbs
Modifying Verbs and Adjectives
You know how to describe an action with a verb (like 'walk') and a thing with an adjective (like 'beautiful'). But how do you describe the action itself? Do you walk quickly or slowly? How beautiful is it? To add this detail, we use a special type of word called an adverb. This lesson will introduce two important types: adverbs of manner and adverbs of degree.
Word Bank
Adverbs of Manner (How an action is done)
These adverbs usually answer the question "How?". Many end in "-ly".
-
Adverb
A word that describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
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quickly
At a fast speed.
Example: "He eats his breakfast quickly." -
slowly
At a slow speed.
Example: "Please speak slowly." -
carefully
With great attention to avoid mistakes.
Example: "She drove carefully in the rain." -
loudly
Making a lot of noise.
Example: "The music is playing too loudly." -
quietly
Making very little noise.
Example: "He closed the door quietly."
Adverbs of Degree (How much?)
These adverbs tell us the intensity of an adjective or another adverb.
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quite
Moderately; more than 'a little'.
Example: "The test was quite difficult." -
very
To a high degree.
Example: "It is very hot today." -
extremely
To a very, very high degree.
Example: "Angkor Wat is extremely beautiful."
Usage Note: Where to Place Adverbs
The position of an adverb is important.
- Adverbs of Manner (like quickly, carefully) usually go after the verb or at the end of the phrase.
Example: "He speaks quietly." - Adverbs of Degree (like very, quite) go before the adjective or adverb they are describing.
Examples: "She is very kind." "He runs extremely quickly."
In Conversation
Bora and Srey are talking about a football match they watched.
Bora: Did you see the match last night? It was extremely exciting!
Srey: Yes! Our team played very well. They passed the ball so quickly.
Bora: I agree. The other team started slowly. They were not playing carefully at the beginning.
Srey: And our fans were shouting so loudly! The other fans were sitting very quietly at the end.
Bora: It was a quite amazing game to watch.
Check Your Understanding
- Which word describes how you do an action?
- a) very
- b) slowly
- c) extremely
Answer: b) slowly (This is an adverb of manner).
- Choose the correct sentence.
- a) He is happy very.
- b) He very is happy.
- c) He is very happy.
Answer: c) He is very happy. (The adverb of degree comes before the adjective).
- Please don't shout. Can you speak more ______?
- a) quietly
- b) loudly
- c) quickly
Answer: a) quietly
Your Mission
- My Actions: Describe three things you do. Use an adverb of manner for each. (e.g., "I eat my lunch slowly. I walk carefully across the street.")
- My Opinions: Write two sentences describing something using an adverb of degree. (e.g., "My English is quite good." "The weather in April is extremely hot.")
- Speak: Your mission is to use one adverb of manner and one adverb of degree in a conversation today. (e.g., "I quickly finished my work because it was very easy.")