Adverbs as Modifiers - 6th Grade Grammar
Remember!
An adverb modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
He walked slowly.
He walked slowly.
Adverbs can come before or after the verbs they modify.
Adverbs can tell when, where, how, or to what extent.
Before the storm, the sky was unusually dark. How?
The weather sirens indicated people should take cover immediately. When?
The weather report indicated the storm was getting closer to our county. Where?
Lightning began to flash and extremely loud thunder startled everyone. To what extent?
Many adverbs are formed by adding –ly to adjectives. However, not all words ending in –ly are adverbs, and some adverbs do not end in –ly.
Yesterday our family excitedly moved to a new home. Now we can easily walk to school
Yesterday our family excitedly moved to a new home. Now we can easily walk to school
The alarm clock by Jonathan’s bed rang loudly.
They talked excitedly about the day ahead.
Jonathan dressed quickly and joined his family for breakfast.
Jonathan was especially eager to start the day.
When an adverb modifies an adjective or another adverb, it is often used for emphasis or intensity. Such adverbs are called intensifiers.
Intensifiers such as very, just, quite, rather, so, too, and somewhat clarify the extent of something. Intensifiers are positions before words they modify.
New York City is very busy with so many tourists visiting each day.
Maura knows Alexandra quite well.
They have been friends for a very long time.
Alexandra lives just down the street from Maura.
The girls walk to school together rather often.
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FAQs
What are adverbs?
Adverbs are words that modify (describe) verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Adverbs typically end in -ly and answer the questions of how, when, where, and to what extent (1).
What do adverbs modify?
Adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs in a sentence. When adverbs modify verbs, they describe how, when, where, or to what extent the action is performed. Examples: He sang loudly. She finished the test quickly. Adverbs modifying adjectives describe to what extent the adjective applies. Example: She is extremely talented (2).
How do I identify adverbs?
You can identify adverbs by the -ly ending. Also look for words that answer the questions of how, when, where, or to what extent about the verb, adjective, or other adverb they modify. Adverbs frequently appear before or after the words they modify (2).
What are some examples of adverbs as modifiers?
Here are some examples of adverbs as modifiers:
- She danced gracefully. (Describes how she danced)
- The game ended abruptly. (Describes how it ended)
- He performed exceptionally well. (Describes to what extent he performed well) (2)
How can adverbs improve my writing?
Using adverbs effectively helps create vivid descriptions. Adverbs strengthen writing by providing details about how, when, where, and to what extent actions occur. This allows the reader to picture the scene and enriches the narrative (2).