The Ultimate 280+ List of Adverbs: From A to Z

Adverbs add flavor to your sentences. They tell us how, where, when, and how much something happens. Whether you are writing an essay or learning English as a second language, these modifiers are essential tools.

I have put together a simple guide to explain exactly what an adverb is and how to use it. I also included a massive list of examples to help you expand your vocabulary.

Keep reading to master the exciting world of adverbs. You will be diversifying your language in no time.

What Are Adverbs?

An adverb is a word that modifies (describes) a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. While adjectives describe nouns (people, places, or things), adverbs provide context about actions or qualities.

These words answer specific questions: How? Where? When? How much?

For example, the sentence “Loretta typed an email” is a bit plain. We can add detail by asking how she typed it. The sentence becomes: “Loretta nervously typed an email.”

If we want to know when she did it, we add another adverb: “Yesterday, Loretta nervously typed an email.”

Adverbs behave differently depending on what they modify:

• Modifying a Verb: This describes how an action is performed. Example: “He ran quickly.”
• Modifying an Adjective: This adds intensity or degree to a description. Example: “The dress was extremely beautiful.”
• Modifying Another Adverb: This creates a chain of description. Example: “She spoke quite softly.”
• Modifying a Sentence: Some adverbs set the tone for a whole statement. Example: “Thankfully, we arrived on time.”

Many adverbs end in -ly, but not all of them do. Words like fast, well, and now are also adverbs.

Below, I have broken down the different categories of adverbs to help you use them correctly.

Types of Adverbs with Examples

There are several types of adverbs, and each serves a unique purpose. I have organized them by category so you can see exactly how they function in a sentence.

Adverbs of Degree

Adverbs of degree tell us about the intensity of an action or quality. They answer the question: “How much?” or “To what extent?”

You usually place these words before the adjective, verb, or adverb they modify. They act like a volume dial for your sentence, turning the meaning up (extremely) or down (barely).

Here are common adverbs of degree:

• Absolutely: Totally; without limit.
• Almost: Very nearly; close to happening.
• Awfully: Very; generally used in a negative context.
• Badly: Greatly or urgently (e.g., “needed it badly”).
• Barely: Scarcely; only just sufficient.
• Completely: Totally; in every way.
• Decidedly: Without doubt; clearly.
• Deeply: To a significant or intense extent.
• Enormously: To a very great degree.
• Entirely: Wholly; fully.
• Extremely: To a very high degree.
• Fairly: Moderately; to some extent.
• Fully: Completely; without lack.
• Greatly: Considerably; significantly.
• Hardly: Barely; almost not at all.
• Highly: At a high level; favorably.
• Incredibly: Unbelievably; to a great extent.
• Indeed: Truly; used for emphasis.
• Intensely: With strong force or feeling.
• Just: Exactly; simply; merely.
• Least: To the smallest extent.
• Less: To a smaller extent.
• Little: Slightly; not much.
• Lots: A large amount (informal).
• Most: To the greatest extent.
• Much: A great amount; significantly.
• Nearly: Almost; close to.
• Perfectly: Completely; flawlessly.
• Positively: Absolutely; definitely.
• Practically: Almost; virtually.
• Pretty: Moderately; fairly (informal).
• Quite: Completely or to a considerable extent.
• Rather: To a certain or significant extent.
• Really: Truly; very.
• Scarcely: Barely; hardly.
• Simply: Merely; absolutely.
• So: To such a great extent.
• Somewhat: To some degree.
• Strongly: With conviction or force.
• Terribly: Very; extremely (often negative).
• Thoroughly: Completely; in detail.
• Too: Excessively; more than needed.
• Totally: Completely.
• Utterly: Completely; absolutely.
• Very: To a high degree.
• Virtually: Nearly; almost entirely.
• Well: Thoroughly; to a good extent.

Usage Examples

See how degree adverbs change the meaning of these sentences:

1. Auntie Pauline thinks deeply about every book she reads.
2. His hands were shaking a little while he gave his speech.
3. I am pretty close to my sister, Rebecca.

Adverbs of Evaluation

Adverbs of evaluation (or comment adverbs) share the speaker’s opinion or judgment. They modify the entire sentence rather than just one word.

You usually find these at the start of a sentence, separated by a comma. They set the mood immediately. For example, “Obviously, my dog is the cutest.” This establishes that the statement is the speaker’s confident opinion.

Here are examples of evaluative adverbs:

• Apparently: Seemingly true based on appearances.
• Astonishingly: Surprisingly; amazingly.
• Bravely: Showing courage.
• Carelessly: Without enough thought or attention.
• Clearly: Obviously; without doubt.
• Definitely: Without question.
• Doubtlessly: Almost certainly.
• Foolishly: Lacking good sense.
• Fortunately: Luckily.
• Frankly: Honestly; directly.
• Generously: In a giving or kind way.
• Honestly: Truthfully.
• Hopefully: With the hope that something happens.
• Interestingly: Note worthy; attracting interest.
• Kindly: In a gentle or benevolent way.
• Luckily: By good fortune.
• Obviously: Clearly evident.
• Presumably: Likely; logically assumed.
• Probably: Very likely to happen.
• Rightly: Justifiably; correctly.
• Sadly: Unfortunately; unhappily.
• Seriously: Earnestly; not joking.
• Spitefully: With malicious intent.
• Stupidly: Lacking intelligence or common sense.
• Unbelievably: Hard to believe.
• Unfairly: Not justly.
• Unfortunately: Regrettably.
• Wisely: With wisdom or good judgment.
• Wrongly: Incorrectly; mistakenly.

Usage Examples

Notice how these words frame the entire thought:

1. Apparently, Josh thinks he will pass his driving test on the first try.
2. Presumably, Harriet went ahead with the marriage despite the rumors.
3. I foolishly forgot to water my plants before leaving for vacation.

Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They are crucial for establishing routines, habits, or rare occurrences.

These adverbs usually sit before the main verb but after “to be” verbs. For example: “I always run” (before verb) vs. “I am always late” (after verb).

Common frequency adverbs include:

• Almost never: Very rarely.
• Always: At all times; 100% of the time.
• Annually: Once a year.
• Constantly: Continuously; without stopping.
• Continually: Repeatedly; frequently.
• Daily: Every day.
• Eventually: After an unspecified period; finally.
• Ever: At any time.
• Frequently: Often.
• Generally: Usually; most of the time.
• Hardly ever: Rarely; almost never.
• Hourly: Once every hour.
• Infrequently: Not often.
• Intermittently: Starting and stopping; irregular intervals.
• Monthly: Once a month.
• Never: Not at any time.
• Nightly: Every night.
• Normally: Under normal conditions; usually.
• Now and then: Occasionally.
• Occasionally: Sometimes; infrequently.
• Often: Many times.
• Periodically: At regular intervals.
• Quarterly: Four times a year (every 3 months).
• Rarely: Seldom; almost never.
• Regularly: On a consistent schedule.
• Repeatedly: Again and again.
• Scarcely: Barely; hardly.
• Seldom: Not often.
• Sometimes: Occasionally; not always.
• Usually: Most of the time.
• Weekly: Once a week.
• Yearly: Once a year.

Usage Examples

1. Alisdair frequently gets phone calls about work.
2. I have often considered writing a book about my life.
3. Did you know Frank is still in the hospital?

Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of manner are the most common type. They describe how an action is performed. If you want to paint a clear picture of a verb, this is the category you need.

Placement matters here. “Tim quickly agreed” suggests the decision was fast. “Tim agreed to run quickly” means the running will be fast.

I have separated these into positive and negative connotations to help you choose the right tone.

Positive Adverbs of Manner

• Accurately: Correctly; precisely.
• Artistically: With creative skill.
• Beautifully: In a pleasing or lovely way.
• Boldly: Bravely; confidently.
• Cheerfully: Happily; with joy.
• Cleverly: Smartly; skillfully.
• Delicately: Gently; carefully.
• Ethically: Morally right.
• Faithfully: Loyally; devotedly.
• Gladly: Willingly; happily.
• Hard: With effort or force (e.g., “work hard”).
• Honestly: Truthfully.
• Incredibly: Amazingly.
• Joyfully: With happiness.
• Kindly: Gently; generously.
• Loudly: At high volume (can be positive in cheering).
• Madly: Intensely (e.g., “madly in love”).
• Neatly: Tidily.
• Neighborly: Friendly; helpful.
• Obediently: Following rules willingly.
• Patiently: Calmly waiting.
• Quietly: Without much noise.
• Skillfully: With expertise.
• Speedily: Fast; quickly.
• Uniquely: In a special, singular way.
• Vibrantly: Full of energy or color.
• Warmly: Friendly; affectionately.
• Zestfully: With enthusiasm.

Negative Adverbs of Manner

• Angrily: With resentment or rage.
• Awkwardly: Clumsily; uncomfortably.
• Badly: Poorly; unsuccessfully.
• Carelessly: Negligently; without caution.
• Cruelly: Meanly; lacking compassion.
• Defiantly: Rebelliously.
• Frantically: In a panicked rush.
• Greedily: Selfishly desiring more.
• Hastily: Too quickly; rushed.
• Hopelessly: Without hope; despairingly.
• Irritably: With annoyance.
• Jealously: Enviously.
• Lazily: Without effort or energy.
• Mortally: Fatally; to death.
• Nervously: Anxiously; timidly.
• Noisily: Making disturbing sounds.
• Obnoxiously: Offensively; annoyingly.
• Poorly: Inadequately; badly.
• Questionably: Suspiciously; dubiously.
• Recklessly: Dangerous; without care for consequences.
• Rudely: Impolitely.
• Stupidly: Unintelligently.
• Tensely: With stress or strain.
• Uselessly: Without purpose or effect.
• Violently: With destructive force.
• Weakly: Without strength.

Usage Examples

1. Amanda gladly accepted Jake’s proposal.
2. Annie ate her birthday cake greedily, leaving behind no crumbs.
3. “Clean up your mess,” Greg said irritably.

Adverbs of Place

Adverbs of place answer the question: “Where?”

They explain the location or direction of an action. Unlike adjectives describing a noun (e.g., “the nearby town”), these modify the verb (e.g., “he walked nearby“).

Here are common spatial adverbs:

• About: Near; around.
• Above: Over; higher up.
• Abroad: In a foreign country.
• Across: On the other side.
• Anywhere: In any place.
• Away: At a distance; gone.
• Back: Towards the rear or original place.
• Backward: Toward the back.
• Behind: At the back of.
• Below: Lower down.
• Down: Toward a lower position.
• Downstairs: On a lower floor.
• East: Toward the east.
• Elsewhere: In another place.
• Far: A long way off.
• Forward: Toward the front.
• Here: In this place.
• Homeward: Toward home.
• In: Inside.
• Indoors: Into or inside a building.
• Inside: Within.
• Near/Nearby: Close by.
• North: Toward the north.
• Off: Away from a place.
• On: Supported by; attached to.
• Out: Away from the inside.
• Outside: Outdoors.
• Over: Above; across.
• Round: In a circle.
• South: Toward the south.
• There: In that place.
• Through: Into one side and out the other.
• Under: Below.
• Underneath: Directly below.
• Up: Toward a higher position.
• Upstairs: On a higher floor.
• Upward: Moving higher.
• West: Toward the west.
• Where: In what place?

Usage Examples

1. She rolled the ball round in her hand until it fell down.
2. Head south on the highway until you reach the traffic lights.
3. “I left fresh bread in the kitchen for you,” Mom said.

Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of time tell us “When” or “For how long.”

You can place these at the end of a sentence for standard emphasis (“I graduated last year“) or at the beginning to highlight the time (“Last year, I graduated”).

List of time adverbs:

• Already: By now; before expected.
• Before: Earlier; previously.
• Currently: Now; at present.
• Earlier/Early: Before the usual time.
• Eventually: Finally; in the end.
• Finally: At the end of a process.
• First: Before anything else.
• Formerly: In the past.
• Fortnightly: Every two weeks.
• Immediately: Right now; without delay.
• Just: A very short time ago.
• Last: Most recently.
• Late: After the expected time.
• Lately: Recently.
• Later: At a future time.
• Momentarily: For a very short time.
• Next: Immediately following.
• Now: At this moment.
• Previously: Before now.
• Recently: Not long ago.
• Since: From a past time until now.
• Soon: In a short time.
• Still: Continuing to happen.
• Then: At that time.
• Today: On this present day.
• Tomorrow: The day after today.
• Tonight: This night.
• Yesterday: The day before today.
• Yet: Up to now.

Usage Examples

1. Make sure you take a break hourly to avoid burnout.
2. Leena has handed in her test already.
3. Veronica arrived first, so the doctor saw her before the others.

Irregular Adverbs

Most adverbs follow a rule: add -ly to an adjective. Sad becomes sadly.

Irregular adverbs break this rule. Some look exactly like their adjective counterparts (known as “flat adverbs”), while others change completely.

Key irregular adverbs to memorize:

• Daily: Acts as both adjective and adverb.
• Early: Same form for both.
• Far: Describes distance.
• Fast: Never “fastly.” Just fast.
• Hard: “Hardly” means barely; “Hard” means with effort.
• Late: “Lately” means recently; “Late” means not on time.
• Lively: Energetically.
• Straight: Directly; not curved.
• Well: The adverb form of “good.”
• Wrong: Can be used as an adverb in informal speech (e.g., “guessed wrong”).

Usage Examples

1. Sean guessed the answers wrong.
2. Dad drove fast down the highway.
3. I work out daily with my friend, Olivia.

Linking Adverbs

Linking adverbs (or conjunctive adverbs) connect two independent clauses. They help your writing flow by showing relationships like contrast, cause and effect, or sequence.

Example: “I wanted to go; however, it started raining.”

Common connectors include:

• Accordingly: Therefore; appropriately.
• Additionally: Also; in addition.
• Also: Too; besides.
• Besides: Anyway; in addition.
• Consequently: As a result.
• Conversely: On the other hand.
• Finally: Lastly.
• Furthermore: Moreover.
• Hence: For this reason.
• However: Nevertheless; but.
• Indeed: In fact.
• Instead: As an alternative.
• Likewise: Similarly.
• Meanwhile: At the same time.
• Moreover: Furthermore.
• Nevertheless: Even so.
• Nonetheless: However.
• Otherwise: If not; differently.
• Similarly: In a like manner.
• Subsequently: Afterwards.
• Therefore: So; as a result.
• Thus: In this way.

Usage Examples

1. James was busy brushing his teeth. Meanwhile, the dog was chewing toilet rolls behind his back.
2. Today was not a good day, but tomorrow will be better.
3. I cannot eat meat anymore. Besides, I never liked it much anyway.

Adverb List A-Z

If you need a quick reference, here is the full alphabetical list of adverbs we have covered:

• About
• Above
• Abroad
• Absolutely
• Accordingly
• Accurately
• Across
• Actually
• Additionally
• Afterward
• Almost
• Almost never
• Already
• Also
• Always
• Annually
• Angrily
• Anywhere
• Apparently
• Artistically
• As a result
• As well
• Away
• Awfully
• Awkwardly
• Back
• Backward
• Badly
• Barely
• Basically
• Beautifully
• Before
• Below
• Besides
• Boldly
• Bravely
• Briefly
• Busily
• But
• Carelessly
• Certainly
• Cheerfully
• Clearly
• Cleverly
• Completely
• Conceivably
• Consequently
• Constantly
• Continually
• Conversely
• Cruelly
• Curiously
• Currently
• Daily
• Decidedly
• Deeply
• Defiantly
• Definitely
• Delicately
• Doubtlessly
• Down
• Downstairs
• Earlier/Early
• East
• Elsewhere
• Entirely
• Enormously
• Ethically
• Eventually
• Ever
• Every day
• Every two hours
• Evidently
• Extremely
• Fairly
• Faithfully
• Far
• Finally
• First
• Foolishly
• For (length of time)
• Formerly
• Fortnightly
• Fortunately
• Forward
• Frequently
• Frankly
• Frantically
• Fully
• Furthermore
• Generally
• Generously
• Gladly
• Greedily
• Greatly
• Hard
• Harder
• Hardly
• Hardly ever
• Hastily
• Hence
• Here
• Highly
• Homeward
• Honestly
• Hopefully
• Hopelessly
• Hourly
• How
• However
• Ideally
• In
• In (insert year)
• Incidentally
• In contrast
• Incredibly
• Indeed
• Infrequently
• Inside
• Intensely
• Interestingly
• Intermittently
• In the same way
• Ironically
• Irritably
• Jealously
• Joyfully
• Just
• Kindly
• Last (insert month, year, day)
• Late
• Lately
• Later
• Lazily
• Least
• Less
• Likewise
• Little
• Lively
• Loosely
• Lots
• Loudly
• Luckily
• Madly
• Meanwhile
• Miles apart
• Momentarily
• Monthly
• Moreover
• Mortally
• Most
• Much
• Naturally
• Near/Nearby
• Nearly
• Neatly
• Neighborly
• Nervously
• Never
• Nevertheless
• Next
• Nightly
• Noisily
• Nonetheless
• Normally
• North
• Now
• Now and then
• Obediently
• Obnoxiously
• Obviously
• Occasionally
• Off
• Often
• On
• Once a week
• On the other hand
• Otherwise
• Out
• Outside
• Over
• Quite
• Patiently
• Perfectly
• Periodically
• Poorly
• Positively
• Practically
• Predictably
• Presumably
• Pretty
• Previously
• Probably
• Quarterly
• Questionably
• Quietly
• Rarely
• Rather
• Really
• Recently
• Recklessly
• Regrettably
• Regularly
• Repeatedly
• Rightly
• Round
• Rudely
• Sadly
• Scarcely
• Seldom
• Seriously
• Similarly
• Simply
• Since
• Skillfully
• So
• Sometimes
• Somewhat
• Soon
• South
• Speedily
• Spitefully
• Still
• Straight
• Strangely
• Strongly
• Stupidly
• Subsequently
• Suddenly
• Surely
• Surprisingly
• Tensely
• Terribly
• Thankfully
• Then
• Theoretically
• There
• Therefore
• Thoroughly
• Through
• Thus
• Today
• Tomorrow
• Tonight
• Too
• Totally
• Truly
• Truthfully
• Ultimately
• Unbelievably
• Unexpectedly
• Under
• Underneath
• Unfairly
• Unfortunately
• Uniquely
• Unlike
• Up
• Upstairs
• Upward
• Uselessly
• Usually
• Utterly
• Very
• Vibrantly
• Violently
• Virtually
• Warmly
• Weakly
• Weekly
• Well
• West
• Where
• Whereas
• While
• Wisely
• Wrong/Wrongly
• Yearly
• Yesterday
• Yet
• Zestfully

FAQs About Adverbs

Why Do We Use Adverbs?

We use adverbs to add detail and precision to language. Without them, sentences are basic statements of fact. Adverbs clarify the manner, place, time, frequency, and degree of an action, helping the reader visualize exactly what is happening.

What Is the Difference Between an Adjective and an Adverb?

An adjective describes a noun (a person, place, or thing). An adverb describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. For example, “The quick fox” uses an adjective to describe the fox. “The fox ran quickly” uses an adverb to describe the running.

How Can I Identify an Adverb in a Sentence?

Look for words ending in -ly, though this is not a perfect rule. The best method is to ask what the word is doing. Does it answer how, when, where, or how much? If it modifies a verb or adds intensity to a description, it is likely an adverb.

Can an Adverb Modify a Noun?

No, adverbs cannot modify nouns. That is the job of an adjective. However, adverbs can modify the adjectives that modify nouns. For example, in the phrase “The very hungry caterpillar,” hungry is an adjective modifying the noun caterpillar, and very is an adverb modifying the adjective hungry.

The Reverb on Adverbs

Adverbs are the secret ingredient to expressive writing. We have covered how they modify verbs, adjectives, and even other adverbs to add depth to your sentences.

From describing how you do something (manner) to when you do it (time), these words are essential for clear communication. I hope this guide and the extensive list help you pick the perfect word for your next project.

You can download the printable PDF version of this list below to keep these examples handy!