Learn about adverbs that tell us how, when, and where actions happen. Perfect for Class 6-8 students. Master basic adverbs with everyday examples.
1. What are Adverbs?
Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They tell us more about actions.
| Sentence | Adverb | What It Tells | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| She speaks softly. | softly | How she speaks | Manner |
| We will meet tomorrow. | tomorrow | When we meet | Time |
| He looked everywhere. | everywhere | Where he looked | Place |
| She is very smart. | very | How smart | Degree |
2. Adverbs of Manner (How?)
Adverbs of manner describe how an action is done. Most end in -ly.
| Verb | Adverb of Manner | Sentence | -ly Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| speak | clearly, softly, loudly | She speaks clearly. | clear + ly |
| walk | slowly, quickly, carefully | He walks slowly. | slow + ly |
| write | neatly, beautifully, quickly | Write neatly. | neat + ly |
| study | hard, diligently, seriously | Study hard. | hard (no -ly) |
| run | fast, swiftly, rapidly | Run fast. | fast (no -ly) |
3. Forming -ly Adverbs from Adjectives
| Adjective | Adverb | Rule | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| quick | quickly | Add -ly | He runs quickly. |
| happy | happily | y → i + -ly | She smiled happily. |
| gentle | gently | le → ly | Hold it gently. |
| terrible | terribly | ble → bly | She sang terribly. |
| simple | simply | ple → ply | Explain it simply. |
| good | well | Irregular | She dances well. |
4. Adverbs of Time (When?)
Adverbs of time tell us when an action happens.
| Time Period | Adverbs | Examples | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definite Time | today, tomorrow, yesterday, now, then | We will go today. She came yesterday. |
End or beginning |
| Frequency | always, often, sometimes, never, usually | I always brush my teeth. She never lies. |
Before main verb |
| Duration | still, yet, already, since, for | I have already eaten. He is still sleeping. |
Mid-position |
| Sequence | first, then, next, finally, afterwards | First, boil water. Then, add tea leaves. |
Beginning |
5. Adverbs of Place (Where?)
Adverbs of place tell us where an action happens.
| Type | Adverbs | Examples | Direction/Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | here, there, everywhere, somewhere | Come here. It is there. |
Static position |
| Direction | up, down, in, out, away, back | Go in. Come out. |
Movement |
| Distance | near, far, away, close | She lives near. The school is far. |
Proximity |
| Position | inside, outside, upstairs, downstairs | Wait outside. Go upstairs. |
Relative position |
6. Position of Adverbs in Sentences
| Adverb Type | Common Position | Example | Alternative Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manner | After verb or object | She sings beautifully. | Sometimes beginning for emphasis |
| Time (definite) | End or beginning | Tomorrow we will go. We will go tomorrow. |
Flexible |
| Frequency | Before main verb | I always wake up early. | After "be" verb: She is always late. |
| Place | After verb or object | Put it there. | Usually fixed position |
| Multiple adverbs | Manner → Place → Time | She danced beautifully here yesterday. | Remember: MAP (Manner, Place, Time) |
7. Quick Practice (5 Questions)
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Wrong ❌ | Right ✅ | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| She speaks English good. | She speaks English well. | Good (adjective), well (adverb) |
| He runs fastly. | He runs fast. | Fast is both adjective and adverb |
| I yesterday went to school. | I went to school yesterday. | Time adverbs usually at end |
| She carefully drives. | She drives carefully. | Manner adverbs usually after verb |
| We go often to park. | We often go to the park. | Frequency adverbs before main verb |
🎯 Adverb Challenge
Identify the adverb type in each sentence:
1. She sings beautifully.
beautifully - Adverb of manner
2. We will meet tomorrow.
tomorrow - Adverb of time
3. Please wait here.
here - Adverb of place
4. He always tells the truth.
always - Adverb of frequency
Highlight dark blue areas to see answers
9. Memory Aids & Tips
Question Method:
Ask about the verb:
How? → Adverb of manner (quickly, carefully)
When? → Adverb of time (today, yesterday, always)
Where? → Adverb of place (here, there, everywhere)
How often? → Adverb of frequency (always, sometimes, never)
-ly Adverb Rules:
1. Most adjectives + -ly (quick → quickly)
2. y → i + -ly (happy → happily)
3. le → ly (gentle → gently)
4. Some don't change (fast → fast, hard → hard)
5. Good → well (irregular)
Position MAP Rule:
Manner → Adverb of Place → Time
Example: She sang (verb) beautifully (M) here (P) yesterday (T).
Frequency adverbs go before main verb.
Exam Tip:
1. Identify the verb first
2. Ask: How? When? Where?
3. Check -ly endings for manner
4. Remember position rules
5. Good vs Well: Good (adjective), Well (adverb)
📝 Practice Adverbs
Test with our 25-question worksheet on adverbs!
Download Adverbs WorksheetIncludes answer key • Manner/Time/Place • Position rules • Printable PDF
