ADVERB PHRASES
Modifiers of adverbs and their classes, comparison
and intensification, correspondence between adverb
and adjective
Meaning of adverb phrase
• “An adverb phrase is a group of words with an adverb as its
head, and functioning to modify a verb, adjective, of another
adverb.” Longman(1985).
• An adverb phrase also known as an adverbial phrase is a
group of words that consists of an adverb and often other
modifiers.
Modifiers of adverbs and their classes
• Modifiers of adverbs are words that modify or qualify the meaning of an
adverb, providing more details about how, when, where or to what degree the
action is being performed.
Modifiers of adverbs with their classes
Modifiers of adverbs can be classified into different types based on what they describe.
1. Intensifiers
• these modify adverbs to increase or decrease degree or intensity of the adverb they modify.
Examples:
Very, extremely, quite, too, so
She ran very quickly.
He speaks extremely well.
2. Downtoners
• these modifiers reduce the intensity or degree of the adverb.
Examples:
Slowly, Slightly, somewhat, a little, barely, hardly
He spoke somewhat slowly.
The room is slightly larger than the previous one.
The cake is a little too sweet for my taste.
She almost hardly ate anything during the party.
3. Focusers
• these modifiers draw attention to a specific part of the sentence or
emphasize the adverb.
Examples:
Only, Especially, Simply
The weather has only slightly improved since yesterday.
("Only" emphasizes the limitation, while "slightly" modifies the extent
of improvement.)
She arranged the flowers just perfectly.
("Just" focuses on precision, while "perfectly" modifies the manner of
arrangement.)
4. Extent Modifiers
• these indicate the extent or range of the adverbs meaning.
Examples:
Totally, completely, entirely, fully
She was totally exhausted yesterday.
(Extent: "totally" modifies the adverb "exhausted," emphasizing the
degree of exhaustion.)
He completely misunderstood the instructions.
(Extent: "completely" modifies "misunderstood," intensifying the
misunderstanding.)
5. Degree Modifiers
• these modify the degree of the action of state expressed by the adverb.
Examples:
Almost, nearly, quite, just
The project is almost completely finished.
(Degree modifier "almost" modifies "completely.")
He is nearly always on time.
(Degree modifier "nearly" modifies "always.")
Comparison and intensification
Comparison and intensification of adverb phrases are used to express
degrees of manner, time, place, frequency, or other aspects of an action
or state.
comparison of adverb phrases:
• Positive form: the basic form of an adverb phrase, e.g., “She sings
beautifully.”
• Comparative form: used to compare two things, e.g., “She sings more
beautifully than her sister.”
• To form the comparative, add “more ” or “less” before the adverb, e.g.,
“more quickly,” “less carefully.”
Intensification of adverb phrases
• Intensification is a linguistic device used to emphasize or strengthen
the meaning of a word, phrase, or sentence. It involves using words or
phrases that amplify or increase the degree of an action, state, or
quality. Intensification can be used to convey a stronger sense of
emotion, emphasis, or importance, and to add emphasis or drama to a
statement.
Intensification of adverb phrases
• Using intensifiers: words like “very,” “extremely,” “highly,” and
“incredibly” can be used to intensify adverb phrases, e.g.,
She sings incredibly beautifully.
• Using adverbs of degree : words like “almost,” “nearly,” “hardly,” and
“barely” can be used to indicate the degree of an action or state, e.g.,
She sings almost perfectly.
• Using emphatic adverbs: words like “really,” “truly,” and “absolutely”
can be used to emphasize the degree of an action or state, e.g.,
She sings really beautifully.
Correspondence between adverb and
adjective
• Adverbs and adjectives are two types of words that have a close
relationship in terms of their meaning and function. While adjectives
modify nouns or pronouns, adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other
adverbs. However, many adverbs are formed from adjectives, and there is
a correspondence between the two.
Formation of adverbs from adjectives :
1. -Iy suffix: many adverbs are formed by adding the suffix “-iy” to an
adjective, e.g.,
“quick” (adjective) : “quickly” (adverb).
2. - er suffix: some adverbs are formed by adding the suffix “-wise” to an
adjective, e.g., “fast” (adjective) : “faster” (adverb)
She runs faster.
3. –al suffix: used to form adverbs that indicate a manner or degree, e.g.
• Normal (adjective) : Normally (adverb)
The teacher spoke normally and clearly.
THE END
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION
