Classes Of Adverbs Notes, Quizzes & Revision
π Revision Notes β’ π Quizzes β’ π Past Papers available in app
Adverbs β Classes of Adverbs
Subject: Primary English (Kenya) β Age: 11
Subtopic: Classes of Adverbs
What you will learn: types of adverbs, how they work in sentences, and short practice.
What is an adverb?
An adverb is a word that gives more information about a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It tells us how, when, where, how often or to what degree something happens.
1. Adverbs of Manner (How?) πΆββοΈ
Tell us how something is done. Often answer the question "How?".
Examples: quickly, slowly, carefully, badly
She runs quickly. β How does she run? quickly.
2. Adverbs of Time (When?) π
Tell us when something happens.
Examples: now, yesterday, tomorrow, soon, already
We start lessons at 8 a.m. tomorrow.
3. Adverbs of Place (Where?) π
Tell us where something happens.
Examples: here, there, nearby, outside, upstairs
The learners are outside.
4. Adverbs of Frequency (How often?) π
Tell us how often something happens.
Examples: always, often, sometimes, never, every day
My sister always helps with chores.
5. Adverbs of Degree (How much?) π
Tell us the intensity or degree.
Examples: very, quite, too, almost, enough
The tea is very hot.
6. Adverbs of Reason / Cause (Why?) β
Tell us why something happens. They are often phrases or words like because, therefore, so.
Examples: because, therefore, hence
He stayed home because he was ill.
7. Adverbs of Affirmation & Negation β β
Show if something is true or not.
Examples: yes, no, certainly, not, never
She will certainly come. / He did not go.
Where do adverbs go in a sentence?
- Adverbs of manner and place often come after the verb: She sings beautifully., They played outside.
- Adverbs of time often come at the end or start: We will meet later., Tomorrow, we will practise.
- Adverbs of frequency usually come before the main verb (but after the verb "to be"): He always helps., She is often late.
- Adverbs of degree come before adjectives or other adverbs: It is very cold., She ran quite quickly.
How to form adverbs
Many adverbs of manner are made by adding -ly to an adjective:
Quick (adj) β quickly (adv), happy β happily.
But some are the same as adjectives: fast, early, hard.
Short practice (try these)
- Underline the adverb and name its class: "The children waited patiently."
- Fill in the blank with a suitable adverb of time: "We will go to the market ____."
- Change the adjective to an adverb: "She is loud." β "She speaks _____."
- Choose the adverb of frequency: "My mother ______ (always / here) cooks ugali."
- Identify the adverb of place: "The books are upstairs."
Answers (click to view)
- patiently β Adverb of manner
- Possible answers: "tomorrow", "later", "soon". (Adverb of time)
- loudly (She speaks loudly.)
- always β "My mother always cooks ugali." (Adverb of frequency)
- upstairs β Adverb of place
Remember β quick tips
- Ask the question: How? When? Where? How often? How much? β this helps you find the adverb.
- Not all adverbs end in -ly (e.g., fast, well, early).
- Place adverbs correctly so the sentence sounds natural.
Well done! Try to spot adverbs when you read your English book or listen in class.