Mastering Adverbs and Adverbials

What is the correct order of adverbials in a sentence?

• Place, Time, Manner, Purpose, Frequency

• Frequency, Purpose, Time, Place, Manner

• Time, Manner, Purpose, Frequency, Place

• Manner, Place, Frequency, Time, Purpose

Answer explanation

The correct order of adverbials in an English sentence generally follows the pattern known as Manner, Place, Time (MPT). Here’s a breakdown:

1. Manner – How something is done.

2. Place – Where something happens.

3. Time – When something happens.

Example:

• She sang beautifully (Manner) in the concert hall (Place) yesterday (Time).

Choose the correct adverb: She ran __________ to the store.

• quickly

• slowly

• hard

• easily

Answer explanation

The correct adverb in this case is "quickly".

So, the sentence would be: "She ran quickly to the store."

Explanation of Options:

• Quickly: Means at a fast pace, which is commonly used to describe running.

• Slowly: Means at a slow pace, which could be used but has the opposite meaning.

• Hard: While it could mean with effort, it's not the best choice here since "quickly" more directly describes the pace of running.

• Easily: Implies she ran without difficulty, but it does not describe the speed or effort of the action.

Thus, "quickly" is the most accurate choice based on typical usage for running.

Fill in the blank: He spoke __________ about the issue.

• closer

• closely

• closeness

• close

Answer explanation

The correct adverb is "closely".

So, the sentence is: "He spoke closely about the issue."

Explanation:

• "Closely" means with great attention or detail, which fits the context of discussing an issue carefully or thoroughly.

• "Close" as an adverb usually refers to physical proximity, not to the manner of speaking or addressing an issue. Therefore, it would not be appropriate in this context.

Which adverb means 'not for money'?

• free

• expensive

• paid

• costly

Answer explanation

The correct adverb is "free".

Explanation:

• "Free" means without cost or not for money.

• For example, "The tickets were given out free."

• "Freely" means without restriction or openly, and it doesn't relate to cost. For example, "He spoke freely during the discussion."

So, when referring to something provided at no cost, use "free".

Select the correct form: The bird flew __________ in the sky.

• far

• high

• low

• highly

Answer explanation

The correct adverb is "high".

So, the sentence is: "The bird flew high in the sky."

Explanation:

• "High" refers to the physical height or altitude, which fits the context of a bird flying.

• "Highly" means with great respect or to a great degree and is typically used in a figurative sense, not for physical height. For example, "He is highly respected."

Thus, "high" is the correct choice for describing the bird's flight.

Identify the adverb: She completed the task __________.

• right

• correctly

• perfectly

• accurately

Answer explanation

• The correct adverb is "correctly".

• So, the sentence is: "She completed the task correctly."

• Explanation:

  • "Correctly" means in a correct or proper manner, which suits the context of completing a task accurately.

  • "Right" is not typically used as an adverb in this sense.

  • "Perfectly" means without any flaws, and while it can fit, it emphasizes perfection rather than correctness.

  • "Accurately" means with precision, focusing more on exactness rather than the overall correctness of the task.

  Thus, "correctly" is the most appropriate answer.

Choose the correct adverb: They arrived __________ for the meeting.

• late

• early

• soon

• recently

Answer explanation

The correct adverb is "early."

So, the sentence is: "They arrived early for the meeting."

Explanation of Options:

• Early: Means before the expected or usual time, which is appropriate for arriving at a meeting.

• Late: Means after the expected time, which would indicate they missed the meeting.

• Soon: Refers to a short time in the future but does not specify a timing in relation to the meeting.

• Recently: Means not long ago, which does not fit in the context of timing related to a specific meeting.

Thus, "early" is the best choice for this context.

What does 'deeply' imply in a sentence?

• Intense or profound involvement or understanding.

• A lack of interest or understanding.

• Superficial or casual engagement.

• A brief or shallow experience.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "Intense or profound involvement or understanding."

Explanation:

• "Deeply" is an adverb that conveys a sense of strong emotional or intellectual engagement. For example, if someone feels deeply about a cause, it indicates a strong, passionate commitment or understanding.

• The other options imply a lack of depth or engagement, which contradicts the meaning of "deeply."

Thus, "intense or profound involvement or understanding" accurately captures the essence of the word.

Fill in the blank: He answered the question __________.

• directness

• directlyly

• directed

• directly

Answer explanation

The correct adverb is "directly."

So, the sentence is: "He answered the question directly."

Explanation:

• "Directly" is the appropriate adverb, meaning in a straightforward manner or without any ambiguity.

• "Directness" is a noun, so it cannot fill the blank.

• "Directed" is a verb in the past tense, which does not fit the context.

• "Directlyly" is not a valid word in English.

Thus, "directly" is the correct choice for this sentence.

Which adverb means 'almost not'?

• hardly

• almost hard

• hardly not

• barely

Answer explanation

The correct adverb is "hardly."

Explanation:

• "Hardly" means almost not or barely, indicating that something is true to a very small extent.

• "Almost hard" does not convey the intended meaning and is not a standard expression.

• "Hardly not" is a double negative and is incorrect in standard English usage.

• "Barely" also means almost not, but since the question specifically asks for the term that means 'almost not,' "hardly" is the more precise choice.

Thus, "hardly" is the correct answer.