We know that adverbs commonly modify verb, adjective, and adverb. But they can modify noun phrase, pronoun, preposition or prepositional phrase, conjunction, and determiner. As you’ll see, intensifying adverbs (also called intensifiers) modify most parts of speech.
(Modifying adverbs have been underlined and modified words are in blue font.)
Learn more: Take exercises on adverb as modifier
1. Adverb as modifier of verb
Adverbs commonly modify verbs. What we know as adverbs of manner, time, place, and frequency are essentially modifiers of verbs. Examples:
The package should arrive tomorrow. [Adverb of time telling when the package should arrive.]
The cat stayed inside the house all day. [Adverb of place telling where did the cat stay all day.]
He played the piano well during the recital. [Adverb of manner telling how he played the piano.]
Learn more: Adverb as modifier of verb
2. Adverb as modifier of adjective
Adverbs such as intensifying adverbs and emphasizing adverbs pre-modify adjectives. Examples:
He felt very proud of his accomplishments.
Through this essay, I want to talk about extracurricular activities in which I was deeply involved.
It’s awfully hot outside.
Learn more: Adverb as modifier of adjective
3. Adverb as modifier of adverb
Intensifying adverbs pre-modify other adverbs.
I had to run very fast to escape the dog.
She finished her work extremely quickly.
You type pretty slow.
Learn more: Adverb as modifier of adverb
4. Adverb as modifier of noun and noun phrase
Few intensifying adverbs such as quite and rather can pre-modify a noun phrase.
I bought the air conditioner at quite an attractive price.
The President’s speech was rather a disappointment.
Adverbs of time and place can also modify a noun phrase.
She felt the effects of the workout the day after.
The conversation overnight made me realize how much I value our friendship.
Learn more: Adverb as modifier of noun and noun phrase
5. Adverb as modifier of pronoun
Intensifying adverbs can pre-modify some indefinite pronouns.
Absolutely no one turned up for the optional practice session.
Nearly everyone was promoted.
Adverb else can post-modify compound indefinite pronouns, those that come with suffix -body, -thing, and -one.
Everybody else except Mac has agreed to sign on dotted lines.
When you lose something, an opportunity for something else presents itself.
Learn more: Adverb as modifier of pronoun
6. Adverb as modifier of preposition or prepositional phrase
A preposition (mainly of time and place) can be pre-modified by few intensifying adverbs such as right, well, and just. Examples:
The consequences of war have now reached well beyond the region.
He stumbled right at the start of the race.
Learn more: Adverb as modifier of preposition or prepositional phrase
7. Adverb as modifier of conjunction
Adverbs can modify subordinating conjunctions, mostly to show proximity of time between two situations. Examples:
Immediately after the alarm went off, they started their emergency drills.
Just as the meeting was about to start, the projector malfunctioned.
He has been feeling much better ever since he started exercising daily.
Learn more: Adverb as modifier of conjunction
Participate in a short survey
If you’re a learner or teacher of English language, you can help improve website’s content for the visitors through a short survey.
8. Adverb as modifier of determiner
Intensifying adverbs can pre-modify determiners. Examples:
I didn’t like practically both the options given to me.
I waited for almost an hour before leaving.
The meeting will start in just ten minutes.
We traveled about 10,000 miles during our 17-day road trip.
Learn more: Adverb as modifier of determiner
