Adverbial Modifiers
September 8, 2011 
17 Comments
English grammar and adverbs…it is a never ending, perplexing conundrum; constructed of many pieces which combine to form a thought on paper or in spoken word. As we continue to discuss grammar you may realize that conveying our ideas cannot be done without particular dynamics like nouns and verbs. There are some parts of grammar that we might get away from and never use, but the communication would be awfully dull, repetitive and boring. One such thing is the modifier in language.
What is a Modifier?
A Modifier is a word which does just that, it changes things. In English grammar an ADVERB is a word which modifies; it is a modifier. Words like abnormal, abrupt, aggressive, bad, bold, cheap, dim, glad, mild, perfect, slow, time, or unlike become some of the easiest adverbs to recognized when –LY is added. For instance abnormally, abruptly, aggressively, badly…I think you get the idea. But more happens than the appearance, the entire sentence structure changes.
Consider this sentence for example. “Andy climbed the ladder.”
It is easy to see I climbed the ladder, but a writer can add so much more to a sentence when using adverbs. For example,
“Andy climbed the ladder slowly.”
“Andy slowly climbed the ladder.” Or maybe,
“Slowly Andy climbed the ladder.”
In each example the adverb slowly was added to modify the meaning and provide the reader with more information, or let’s say a more vivid account of me climbing the ladder. Now keep in mind that slow is recognized as a verb (conveys action) but when it is used to modify an action it becomes an adverb.
Tricky…right?
An adverb can be used to modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb, clause, or sentence. While modifying another part of speech adverbs also answer the questions;
How?, When?, Where?, Why?
“In what way?”
“How much?, “How often?”,
“To what degree?” , “Under what condition?”
For example,
“He walked.” This can be modified to “He walked slowly.” This adverb modified a verb.
“He is careful.” This can be modified to “He is very careful.” Adverb modifieds an adjective.
“Andy plays baseball very well.” Very modifies well, (an adverb modifying an adverb.
Functions of Adverbs
Although most people don’t walk around referring to adverbs by function there several ways adverbs function in a sentence. Examples are identified below and include
Adverbs of…
Degree (answers “How often?”, ex. never, always, rarely, and occasionally.
Frequency (answers “How often?”, ex. never, often, almost, and rather.
Manner (answers How?), ex. slowly, carefully, closely.
Place (answers “Where?”), ex. Outside, there, down, and above.
Time (answers “When?”), ex. recently, late, soon, and often.
Conjunctive adverbs can be used to connect ideas in different clauses. A collection of conjunctive adverbs includes; still, therefore, also, accordingly, and however.
One example is however, “Andy wants to stay home; however, he needs to report to work.”
A conjunctive adverb can be used at the beginning of a sentence, but if this is done be sure to place a comma after the word, an example; “The project was done. Therefore, I went home.”
One other point concerning adverbs for today’s post is the…
Comparison of Adverbs
Comparing adverbs is like…well it is like comparing levels of adverbs. For instance, I have already provided one easily identifiable form of adverbs, the –LY adverbs, but this is only one form of adverbs. Comparison of Adverbs reveals the many ways adverbs can be compared.
For example, the word Well can be used in a Comparative way by using the word Better, and a Superlative comparison of the word can be done using Best. Several other comparisons of adverbs are noted below.
Adverb Comparative Superlative
Well Better Best
Badly Worse Worst
Much More Most
Recently More Recently Most Recently
Frequently More Frequently Most Frequently
My intention with this week’s post was to point out the grades or modifications to an adverb which show the degree of use and enhance our writing. It might seem like a complicated description but for the most part, take away from my post adverbs modify many parts of speech including another adverb, an adjective, a clause, or sentence. Also remember adverbs answer questions, if you don’t recall the examples just take a look at earlier parts of my post. Don’t forget I noted there are adverbs, along with their basic grades which modify and enhance our reading experience (comparative and superlative).
Here’s a “Grammar Rock” video of adverbs, Enjoy!
Have a nice week and remember there are adverbial modifiers out there which enhance our writing skills and make reading more exciting. Take care!!
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That just gave my English a slap in the face :-O And just realized my interpretation of ‘superlatives’ was completely off! Thanks for the wake up call
Birkin recently posted..Jennifer Lopez Does Mama Duty with Her Hermes Birkin
Adverb is core part of speech.Without the knowledge of adverbs,it is difficult to learn English grammar.
Your right Shani, grammar becomes a true challenge without an understanding of the basic parts of the practice. Thanks for your time reading my posts and sharing your comments.
Adverb is a part of speech.If we have complete grip on parts of speech we can learn grammar at advance level.
Nawaz recently posted..Fred Meyers Jewelers
So true Nawaz, without adverbs the other parts of speech are just dangling around with little direction. Thanks for the consideration and thought.
Twitter: reneepawlish
September 9, 2011 at 8:03 PM
More great information Andy. I can always use a refresher on adverbs, so my writing is better. Thanks!
Adverb are the words that enhance the meaning of verb.
Your right Azhar, an adverb can enhance a verb and while doing it can modify an adjective, another adverb, clause, or sentence. Thanks for finding my post useful and providing your encouraging thought.
This can be confusing at time most especially if it is written. This is really an informative post!
You are right Noemi, it can be confusing. Thank you for the kind comment, I’ve got a BIG *smile* on my face.
It is very informative. People would really learned a lot from this. People would not be confused anymore about the adverbial modifiers and adverbs. This post discuss and clears it all.
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I really appreciate your thoughts on my post and the benefit it provides. Maybe as time passes others will have a chance to visit me too. Thanks for taking the time to read my words and leave your encouraging comment.
That just gave my English a slap in the face :-O And just realized my interpretation of ‘superlatives’ was completely off! Thanks for the wake up call
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Hi Andy,
I had many confusions on adverbial modifiers and adverbs. Your article was really helpful in resolving them. But do adverbial modifiers also called adverbs?? Thanks for sharing.
Shivam Garg recently posted..Bootstrap Coupon
Yes Shivam, my post is about adverbs which modify the different parts of speech. The term adverbial relates to adverb usage, the term just popped in my head as part of.my title while I was writing. I hoped the title would convey a more positive, or maybe the complex yet positive use of adverbs; rather than the title ‘Adverbs’ which I considered sort of boring. I hope this decision didn’t create to much confusion; I really appreciate your reading my effort and commenting to me.