An Adverb is a word which modifies the meaning of a Verb, an Adjective or another Adverb.
Kinds of Adverbs
Adverbs may be divided into the following classes, according to their meaning:-
1. Adverbs of Time (which show when)
She hurt her ankle yesterday.
Tom has spoken to her already.
2. Adverbs of Frequency (which show how often).
Rahul often makes mistakes.
I always try to do my best.
3. Adverbs of Place (which show where)
She looked up.
My mother is out.
4. Adverbs of Manner (which show how or in what manner)
The essay is well written.
The man works hard.
5. Adverbs of Degree or Quantity (which show how much, or in what degree or to what extent).
Rebecca sings pretty well.
You are quite wrong.
6. Adverbs of Affirmation and Negation
Mr. Das certainly went.
I do not know him.
7. Adverbs of Reason
Paul therefore left college.
Saira is hence unable to perform the task.
Some of the above Adverbs may belong to more than one class.
Thomas sings delightfully. (Adverb of Manner)
The water is delightfully cool. (Adverb of Degree)
Don't go far. (Adverb of Place)
Reema is far better now. (Adverb of Degree)
Now we will see that Adverbs are divided into three classes according to their use:
1) Simple Adverbs - Simple Adverbs are used to modify the meaning of a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. For eg.,
She is quite wrong.
2) Interrogative Adverbs - Interrogative Adverbs are used to ask questions. For eg.,
How many students are in his class?
3) Relative Adverbs - Relative Adverbs refer back to a noun as their antecedent. For eg.,
Show me the house where he was born.
Therefore,
A Simple Adverb merely modifies some word.
An Interrogative Adverb not only modifies some word, but also introduces a question.
A Relative Adverb not only modifies some word, but also refers back to some antecedent.