Adverbs of Comment: English Vocabulary List

in a way that emphasizes sincerity of belief or opinion

"Honestly I do not know."

"Honestly I do not know the answer to that question so please ask someone else."

in an unfortunate manner

"Unluckily it rained today."

"Unluckily it started to rain during our picnic so we had to pack everything up quickly."

against what might be expected

"Surprisingly the test was easy."

"Surprisingly the exam was very easy and most students finished it well before the time was up."

to a surprising or exaggerated degree

"Shockingly the store closed early."

"Shockingly the store was closed early and we could not buy the items we needed for the party."

used to state one's opinion while emphasizing or summarizing its most important aspects

"Basically you are right."

"Basically you just need to press the button and wait for the machine to start working."

used to express that something positive or favorable has happened or is happening by chance

"Fortunately nobody got hurt."

"Fortunately nobody was hurt in the accident although both cars were badly damaged and had to be towed away."

used to express regret or say that something is disappointing or sad

"Unfortunately I cannot come."

"Unfortunately I cannot come to the party because I have to work late tonight at the office."

in a way that emphasizes sincerity of belief or opinion

"Honestly I do not know the answer."

"Honestly I do not know the answer to that question so please ask someone else for help."

against what might be expected

"Surprisingly the exam was very easy."

"Surprisingly the exam was very easy and most students finished it well before the time was up."

in accordance with what is logical, typical, or expected

"Naturally she was scared."

"Naturally she was nervous before the interview but she did her best and got the job."

used for expressing that one hopes something will happen

"Hopefully we will win."

"Hopefully we will arrive on time if there is no traffic on the highway this evening."

used to state one's opinion while emphasizing or summarizing its most important aspects

"Basically, it's a good idea."

"Basically, the entire project will fail if we don't secure additional funding within the next month."

in truth and practice even though not clearly stated

"The medicine worked effectively."

"The new medicine worked effectively against the pain and he felt much better within an hour."