What is an adverb?

An adverb adds detail to a verb, an adjective or another adverb. It often tells you how, when or where something happens. Many adverbs end in -ly, such as quickly, slowly and happily, but not all do.

Examples

• How: She sang beautifully.
• When: We will leave soon.
• Where: The cat hid outside.

Quick facts

• Many adverbs are made by adding -ly to an adjective (quick becomes quickly).
• Adverbs most often describe verbs, telling you how an action is done.