Adverbs: Types & Position

Intermediate · Adjectives & Adverbs

While adjectives describe nouns, adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They answer how, when, where, how often, and how much.

Many adverbs of manner are just an adjective + -ly (quick → quickly), but position matters a lot — especially for frequency adverbs like "always" and "never", which sit in a specific spot in the sentence.

How to build it

adjective + -ly = adverb of manner · frequency adverb goes before the main verb, after "be"

Rules & examples

1. Manner (how): usually adjective + -ly.

   Describes the way an action is done. A few are irregular (good → well, fast → fast).

   • She spoke softly.
   • He works hard.
   • She sings well.
2. Frequency (how often): always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never.

   Tells how regularly something happens.

   • I always brush my teeth.
   • She is never late.
3. Position of frequency adverbs: before the main verb, but AFTER "be".

   This trips up many learners.

   • They often travel. (before main verb)
   • He is often busy. (after be)
4. Degree (how much): very, quite, too, really, extremely.

   Strengthens or weakens an adjective/adverb.

   • It is very hot.
   • She is really kind.
   • It's too expensive.
5. Time & place adverbs usually go at the end.

   now, yesterday, here, everywhere, soon.

   • We met here yesterday.
   • I'll call you soon.

Tips to remember

• Remember the frequency rule with the verb "be": "I am always happy" (after "am"), but "I always eat breakfast" (before "eat").
• Do not confuse adjective and adverb: "She is a careful driver" (adjective) vs "She drives carefully" (adverb).

Common mistakes

• ✗ I go always to the gym. → ✓ I always go to the gym. — Frequency adverbs go before the main verb.
• ✗ She drives very careful. → ✓ She drives very carefully. — Use an adverb to describe how she drives.