71. Adverbs Modify Verbs

Adverbs are words that modify verbs.
An adverb modifies the verb by giving more information about how or in what way something happened.

Many adverbs end in –ly. Here are some adverbs that end in –ly:
slowly
quickly
quietly
loudly

We can use each of these adverbs to tell how something happened.
Bob walked slowly down the street..
Adam ran quickly up the stairs.
Janet spoke quietly to her teacher.
Alice spoke loudly to her teammates.

Notice that the adverb usually sits right next to the verb that it is modifying.

Here are some more -ly adverbs. Try to imagine how you would use each in a sentence.
In each of your sentences, put the adverb next to the verb to tell how something happened.
sadly
happily
completely
nicely
badly

Here are some sentence ideas:
The little boy walked sadly away from the ball game.
The little girl ran happily to her grandpa.
The batter completely missed the ball.
Ellen smiled nicely for the photographer.
Sam did badly on his test.

Remember- adverbs modify verbs by giving more information about how something happened. Many adverbs end in -ly. Try to keep the adverb as close as possible to the verb it modifies.

  • Now it’s your turn. Find the adverb in each of these sentences. Grandma looked fondly at her small grandson. The baby slept peacefully in her arms. Did you pick out fondly and peacefully? Good for you!