Adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, or other adverbs. They usually end in -ly, but there are many exceptions.
1. Adverb uses: In this sentence, the adverb slowly modifies the verb tied:
He slowly tied his shoes.
In this sentence, the adverb dimly modifies the adjective lit:
The machines are stored in a dimly lit room.
Here, the adverb really modifies the adverb fast (which modifies the verb runs):
He runs really fast.
Here, directly modifies the preposition above:
The plane flew directly above our heads.
And here, the adverb right modifies the conjunction when:
Right when I got there, everyone started yelling.
2. Adverb formation: Most adjectives can be made adverbs by adding a -ly to the end—for example, coincidental–coincidentally, quick–quickly, brilliant–brilliantly. However, there are many types of irregular adverbs, including:
- those that don’t change from their adjectival forms (e.g., seldom, fast, thus, doubtless);
- those made from adjectives that end in -ic (e.g., poetic–poetically, basic–basically);
- those from adjectives ending in -le (e.g., gentle–gently);
- and those made from adjectives that end in -y (e.g., angry–angrily, hungry–hungrily).
