Adverbs

In this lesson, we will be learning about adverbs. 

What are adverbs? 

An adverb is a word that modifies or describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb or even a whole sentence. Let’s understand the different types of adverbs like adverbs of frequency, manner, place and time in detail below.

Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency tell you how often an action (verb) happens.

1. Definite frequency: e.g. hourly, twice a year, thrice.
2. Indefinite frequency: e.g. always, sometimes, never.

Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of manner describe how something happens. If you are talking about somebody's mannerisms, then you are referring to how they behave.

1. You can transform an adjective into one
2. E.g. Slow -> Slowly
3. Good -> Well

Adverbs of Place

Adverbs of the place tell you the location where the action of the verb is being carried out.

Adverbs of Time

An adverb of time can tell us about when an action happens (e.g. now, soon, etc.) or how frequently an action happens (e.g. usually, always, etc.).

Practice Questions

Question 1

Shrek is brave but he __________ feels afraid when he hears things go bump in the night.

1. always
2. sometimes
3. rarely
4. never

Answer: 

1) always

Explanation:

The first hint in this question is "brave". As Shrek is brave, option (1) - "always" is incorrect. Another hint in this question is "but", which tells us that there is something opposite or contradictory. So, option (4) - "never" is incorrect as well. If the statement had been framed differently, like "Shrek is brave, so he __________ feels afraid," then option (3) - "rarely" would have been the correct answer.

Using the hints provided in the question above, we know that Shrek is brave, and he is afraid when he hears things go bump in the night. And after eliminating all the incorrect options as well, the correct answer to this question is option (2) - "sometimes".
 

Question 2:

I __________ prepare my meals at home but I do indulge in the occasional fancy meal at a posh restaurant.

1. rarely
2. infrequently
3. usually
4. hardly

Answer: 

3) usually

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (3) - 'usually.' We can easily reason out the correct answer by considering the hints 'but' and 'occasional' given in the question.

Question 3:

Friday is a __________ occurrence.

1. daily
2. weekly
3. monthly
4. yearly

Answer: 

2) weekly

Explanation:

As Friday comes every week, the correct answer to this question is option (2) - “weekly”. Friday is a weekly occurrence.
 

Question 4:

He __________ peeled back the bandaging to examine his wound.

1. gingerly
2. vindictively
3. silently
4. lazily

Answer: 

1) gingerly

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (1) - “gingerly”. Gingerly means careful or cautious. “Vindictively” is incorrect as it means revenge, which doesn’t make sense in the sentence provided.

Question 5: 

In his overwhelming desire to please, he started speaking __________.

1. sedately
2. unctuously
3. unethically
4. hotly

Answer: 

4) hotly

Explanation:

Option (4) - "Hotly" means angrily. Option (3) - "unethically" means something which is not morally correct. Option (1) - "sedately" means relaxed. The sentence provided tells us that he wants to please and wants people to like him. So, options (1), (3), and (4) do not make sense and are incorrect. Option (2) - "unctuously" means someone who expresses too much praise, interest, friendliness, etc., in a way that is false and unpleasant. So, the correct answer to this question is option (2) - unctuously.

Question 6:

Mayweather wished to study __________ but the fees for an overseas education were just too high.

1. above
2. anywhere
3. abroad
4. around

Answer: 

3) abroad

Explanation:

The hint in this question is "overseas". So, option (2) - anywhere is incorrect, and option (1) and (4) does not make sense here. So, the correct answer to this question is option (3) - abroad.

Question 7: 

The tourist stood in the middle of the shopping district, gawking at the buildings towering all __________ him.

1. around
2. above
3. over
4. beside

Answer: 

1) around

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (1) - around. The hint in this question is the word “middle”, which tells us that all the buildings in the shopping district are all around him.

Question 8:

You’d better get that done __________ because the customer will be here any minute!

1. now
2. today
3. faster
4. quicker

Answer: 

1) now

Explanation:

The hint in this question is “the customer will be here any minute”. So, the correct answer to this question is option (1) - “now”.

Question 9: 

This fast food joint releases special burgers __________. They are always a hit and something to look forward to! I always buy at least ten and eat till I get so full that I cry, then laugh, then fall asleep. I do it for the memes.

Several times a year, I sacrifice my money and health for the memes.

1. daily
2. seasonally
3. annually
4. seasoning

Answer: 

2) seasonally

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (2) - "seasonally". As it is mentioned "several times a year" in the question, so option (1) - "daily" and option (3) - "annually" are incorrect. Option (4) - "seasoning" is also incorrect as it is something that you add to your food to enhance the taste.

Question 10:

We check this pipe __________. That makes four checks a year, which is sufficient.

1. weekly
2. monthly
3. quarterly
4. annually

Answer: 

3) quarterly

Explanation:

As mentioned in the question, they check the pipe 4 times a year. So, the correct answer to this question is option (3) - "quarterly".

Question 11: 

On the day of the carnival, he arrives __________, an hour before the show begins.

1. Early
2. Late
3. Later
4. Earlier

Answer: 

1) early

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (1) - "early". We would not use "earlier" here as it is used while making a comparison. And options (2) and (3) are incorrect as it is mentioned in the sentence that he arrived before the show began.

Question 12: 

He sneaks into the tent and ends up backstage where all the performers are either __________ chatting with one another or preparing for their act. It is a lovely atmosphere.

1. Angrily
2. Impatiently
3. Happily
4. Nervously

Answer: 

3) happily

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (3) - “happily”. The clue here is “lovely atmosphere”, or in other words, it is a nice place. So, angrily, impatiently and nervously are not relevant here.

Question 13:

While attempting to hide himself __________ the shadows, he forgets about how his eyes __________ glow in the dark and is easily spotted by the troupe.

1. outside ... never
2. Outside ... permanently
3. Within ... never
4. Within ... permanently

Answer: 

4) within ... permanently

Explanation:

You cannot hide outside the shadows as it will defeat the purpose of hiding. So, the correct answer to the first blank is "within". Within the shadows means to be enveloped by the shadows or covered by the shadows. So, options (1) and (2) are eliminated. The correct answer to the second blank is "permanently" because 'never' is not relevant here. The sentence mentions that because of his eyes, he is easily spotted by the troupe. So, the correct answer to this question is option (4) - "within ... permanently".

Question 14: 

He tries to escape but The Slinky __________ seizes and wraps his arms around The Lion Boy. Due to The Slinky’s elasticity, The Lion Boy is not able to use his super strength to get out of the bind.

1. Lately
2. Promptly
3. Frequently
4. Finally

Answer: 

2) promptly

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (2) - “promptly”. Promptly means doing something without delay or immediately.

Question 15: 

The Slinky suspends him __________ mid-air, leaving him completely helpless while The Mystic turns into mist and goes to get The Ringmaster. In the meantime, The Bot holds The Fire Boy back to stop him from burning the intruder for fun.

1. In
2. Above
3. Inside
4. Under

Answer: 

1) in

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (1) - “in”. 

Question 16: 

The Ringmaster enters and immediately notices that this boy is no ordinary child. He asks the boy a question but he is unable to respond because his mouth is wrapped up too.

“What’s the matter, cat got your tongue?” The Whisperer says __________.

1. Politely
2. Charismatically
3. Sarcastically
4. Boldly

Answer: 

3) sarcastically

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (3) - "sarcastically". "Cat got your tongue" is an idiom which means "why can't you talk? Did we catch you in the lie". So, the whisperer is being sarcastic here.

Question 17: 

The Slinky loosens his hold and The Lion Boy introduces himself to everyone. He explains the situation with his head bowed, feeling __________ apologetic. He is close to tears with regret.

1. Slightly
2. Hardly
3. A little
4. Extremely

Answer: 

4) extremely

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (4) - "extremely". As the sentence mentioned that he explained the situation with the head bowed, options (1), (2) and (3) are incorrect here and do not make sense as these options state that he was slightly or hardly apologetic.

Question 18: 

Having a soft spot for Beings of Difference, The Ringmaster forgives him __________ and welcomes him to their tent.

1. Immediately
2. Forever
3. Daily
4. In a week

Answer: 

1) immediately

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (1) - “immediately”. The clue here is “soft spot”, which means you are extra kind to something or someone.

Question 19: 

Disappointed, because he was hoping for more drama, The Fire Boy walks off __________, but not before he casts one last furious glance at The Lion Boy.

1. Happily
2. Sadly
3. Angrily
4. Anxiously

Answer: 

3) angrily

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (3) - “angrily”. The clue here is the last line where it is mentioned that he casts one last furious glance at the Lion Boy, which indicates that he was angry.

Question 20: 

“Don’t worry, it’s not your fault. He’s __________ like that,” The Ice Girl comforts The Lion Boy as she simultaneously puts out the trail of flames her brother left behind.

1. Never
2. Always
3. Hardly
4. Not

Answer: 

2) always

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (2) - “always”.

Question 21: 

At this moment, The Dragon leans her head close to The Lion Boy and gives him a big welcoming lick __________ the cheek, which instantly diffuses all the tension in the air.

1. Across
2. Under
3. Over
4. Into

Answer: 

1) across

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (1) - "across". Options (2), (3) and (4) are not relevant here as "under", "over", or "into" doesn't really talk about the cheek. Across the cheek means that the dragon licked the entire cheek from top to bottom.

Question 22: 

The Ringmaster smiles at that display of affection and speaks. 

“Nice to meet you, I’m The Ringmaster. We don’t __________ get many visitors back here but I’d love to get to know you, son.”

1. Never
2. Usually
3. Hardly
4. Sometimes

Answer: 

2) usually

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (2) - "usually". Option (1) - "never" does not make sense in the sentence as it will be a double negative, and option (4) doesn't fit well.

Question 23: 

Right at this moment, an enthusiastic trumpet sounds throughout the entire carnival, signalling to the visitors that the show will start __________ and that they should get seated.

1. Eventually
2. Rarely
3. Recently
4. Shortly

Answer: 

4) shortly

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (4) - "shortly". Option (2) doesn't fit here well, and option (3) - "recently" can be used when the carnival has already started.

Question 24: 

Upon hearing the trumpet, the rest of the troupe disperses to finish their final preparations. It was time for the debut they had worked so hard for __________, over the last three months, with no off days.

1. Daily
2. Weekly
3. Monthly
4. Yearly

Answer: 

1) daily

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (1) - “daily”. The clue here is that he didn’t take any off days for the past 3 months. So, he was coming to work daily.

Question 25: 

“Golly, I’m afraid that means we have to go! Let’s find you a seat __________, the show’s about to begin! We can talk more after.” The Ringmaster gently guides The Lion Boy out of the lounge and into the VIP guest section.

1. Between
2. Outside
3. Above
4. Under

Answer: 

2) outside

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (2) - "outside", as the sentence mentions that the ringmaster guides the Lion Boy out of the lounge and into the VIP guest section.

Test Your Concepts

Answer the following questions based on the concepts we’ve covered in this article. If you get stuck, revisit the relevant section to revise the concepts.

Question 1: 

She __________ gave a thought about the inconvenience wheelchair users faced till she found herself in one.

1. ever
2. always
3. often
4. never

Question 2: 

I __________ knew you could be like this. I am astonished! No, I am appalled!

1. always
2. sometimes
3. often
4. never

Question 3:

The athlete had been running for an hour now. He checked his watch and plowed ahead __________.

1. slowly
2. timely
3. harshly
4. resolutely

Question 4: 

The parade was cancelled as the rain had been pouring down __________.

1. unpredictably
2. busily
3. relentlessly
4. noisily

Question 5:

The man stood up dizzily and ended up stumbling __________ towards the wall. From the list below, choose the incorrect adverb.

1. back
2. backward
3. backwards
4. behind

Question 6: 

I won’t be long. I live __________ the bakery, remember?

1. outside
2. near
3. around
4. off

Question 7: 

It is __________ an acceptable practice to tip a service staff. But be on the safe side and read up on the customs of a country before you visit and start tipping without care.

1. always
2. rarely
3. never
4. often