Identify the adverb in the following sentences.
1. He is so pigheaded you can’t reason with him.
Correct!
Wrong!
Here so modifies the adjective pigheaded. Only an adverb can modify an adjective.
2. Sailing alone around the world was quite a pilgrimage.
Correct!
Wrong!
Quite is an adverb indicating degree. It shows to what extent.
3. The admiral was always nonchalant in the face of danger.
Correct!
Wrong!
Always is an adverb of time. It answers the question when.
4. A person’s outward appearance was formerly thought to reveal his character.
Correct!
Wrong!
Formerly is an adverb of time. Most words ending in ly are adverbs.
5. Wearing nothing but blue clothing is only one of her peculiarities.
Correct!
Wrong!
6. He was seen driving northward.
Correct!
Wrong!
Words indicating place are adverbs.
7. I have told you this twice.
Correct!
Wrong!
Twice is an adverb of frequency. It answers the question how often.
8. That day he arrived late.
Correct!
Wrong!
Here late modifies the verb arrived. Hence it is an adverb.
9. I have already spoken to him about this.
Correct!
Wrong!
10. Luckily we escaped unhurt.
Correct!
Wrong!
11. My dog understands everything. He is almost human.
Correct!
Wrong!
Here the adverb almost modifies the adjective human.
12. I am fully prepared for the examination.
Correct!
Wrong!
Here the adverb fully modifies the adjective prepared.
Answers
- He is so pigheaded you can’t reason with him. (Adverb – so)
- Sailing alone around the world was quite a pilgrimage. (Adverb – quite)
- The admiral was always nonchalant in the face of danger. (Adverb – always)
- A person’s outward appearance was formerly thought to reveal his character. (Adverb – formerly)
- Wearing nothing but blue clothing is only one of her peculiarities. (Adverb – only)
- He was seen driving northward. (Adverb – northward)
- I have told you this twice. (Adverb – twice)
- That day he arrived late. (Adverb – late)
- I have already spoken to him about this. (Adverb – already)
- Luckily we escaped unhurt. (Adverb – luckily)
- My dog understands everything. He is almost human. (Adverb – almost)
- I am fully prepared for the examination. (Adverb – fully)
