Comment Adverbs

Adverbs are a type of word that provide more information about verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs in a sentence. They describe how an action is done, when it happens, where it takes place, or to what extent.

This lesson will focus on a specific group of adverbs called “comment adverbs.” These adverbs express the speaker’s attitude, opinion, or comment about the action or situation. They add more depth and emotion to a statement. Let’s explore some common comment adverbs:

Comment AdverbMeaningExample
ActuallyEmphasizes truth or reality“I thought it was expensive, but actually, it’s quite affordable.”
AmazinglyExpresses surprise or astonishment“She sang amazingly well and impressed everyone.”
ApparentlyBased on available evidence, seemingly true“Apparently, he won the lottery, but I’m not sure.”
BasicallySimplifying or summarizing“Basically, it means we have to start over.”
ClearlyIndicates something is evident or understood“He explained the rules clearly, so we understood.”
GenerallyBroadly or typically“Generally, people enjoy going to the beach in summer.”
HopefullyExpresses positive expectation or desire“Hopefully, we’ll have a successful event tomorrow.”
LuckilySomething positive happened by chance“I forgot my keys, but luckily, I found a spare set.”
PersonallyIndicates a personal opinion or experience“Personally, I think it’s the best movie I’ve seen.”
ObviouslySomething is easily understood or apparent“He didn’t study, so obviously, he failed the test.”
SadlyExpresses sorrow or regret“Sadly, she couldn’t attend the party due to illness.”
SurprisinglyHighlights something unexpected“Surprisingly, the cake tasted better than it looked.”
UnfortunatelySomething undesirable or negative“Unfortunately, the concert was cancelled due to rain.”

Grammar practice 1

Grammar practice 2

Speaking Practice

  1. Get into pairs or small groups.
  2. Take turns being the speaker and the listener.
  3. Spin the wheel to see a question.
  4. Start speaking about the topic on the wheel.
  5. Try to use a comment adverb every time you share your opinion.

The Position of Adverbs

Adverbs are words that describe an action (e.g. She speaks slowly) or modify adjectives (e.g. This car is incredibly expensive) or other adverbs (e.g. He works very hard). They can be one word (e.g. often) or a phrase (every now and then).

Common types of adverbs:

  1. Adverbs of manner describe how somebody does something.
  • They usually go after the verb or verb phrase
  • With passive verbs they usually go in mid-position
  • Examples: beautifully, slowly, happily, thoroughly, fast, quickly, cheaply, etc.

2. Adverbs of frequency tell us how often an action is performed.

  • They go before the main verb but after verb be
  • If there are two auxiliary verbs, the adverb goes after the first one
  • Some adverbs can be put at the beginning of the phrase or sentence for emphasis (sometimes, usually, and normally)
  • Examples: always, never, usually, sometimes, usually, normally, etc.

3. Adverbs of time and place tell us when and where an action is performed

  • Time adverbs usually go at the end of a sentence or clause
  • Place adverbs usually go before time adverbs
  • Examples: in the morning, at night, at the airport, in half an hour, here, there, etc.

4. Adverbs of degree describe how much something is done, or modify the adjective

  • Some adverbs of degree are used with adjectives and adverbs and they go before them (e.g. extremely, incredibly, very, a little, a little bit, etc.)
  • Some adverbs are often used with verbs and go before the verb or the verb phrase (e.g. a lot and much)

5. Comment adverbs give the speaker’s opinion about a particular topic.

  • They usually go at the beginning of a sentence or clause
  • Examples: luckily, basically, clearly, obviously, apparently, eventually, etc.

More examples:

Watch the following videos to find more examples and exercises

Grammar Practice

Level of difficulty: 

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 Speaking Practice

Level of difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐

  • Choose a type adverb of frequency
  • Flip the tile
  • Discuss the question with your classmates