Adverbs Modifying Verbs

What is an Adverb that Modifies a Verb?

An adverb is a part of speech that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. When modifying verbs, adverbs answer questions about where, when, how, and to what extent an action took place.

Examples of Adverbs Modifying Verbs

Some examples of adverbs modifying verbs would be the following:

rode a bus here. (Where did I ride a bus?)

will exercise tomorrow. (When will I exercise?)

Grant silently wrote in his journal. (How did Grant write in his journal?)

Sasha barely passed her science quiz. (To what extent did Sasha pass her science quiz?)

Adverbs Modifying Verbs in Context

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Watch this video to better understand how adverbs can modify verbs!

Why You Should Use Adverbs That Modify Verbs in Your Writing

Why shouldn’t you use adverbs in your writing?! Adverbs provide so much depth and color to your writing, but for now, we’ll mention two primary reasons for using adverbs: description and precision.

Description: Adverbs modify (or alter) verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. In a similar fashion, they are to verbs (and adjectives and adverbs) what adjectives are to nouns. In other words, they “describe” verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Notice the difference between the sentence with an adverb and without an adverb:

Without an Adverb: She sang the song.
With an Adverb: She sang the song beautifully.

Precision: Adverbs help you as a writer provide very specific detail so that you can convey your thoughts much more precisely.

Without an Adverb: I broke the glass window.
With an Adverb: I intentionally broke the glass window.

Notice the difference between the two sentences? The second sentence conveys much more detail than the first and reveals a good bit more context for your reader.

Use adverbs to keep your writing descriptive and precise!

Download a Free Worksheet on Adverbs Modifying Verbs!

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Adverbs Modifying Verbs Worksheet

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