Adverbs of Movement · Adverbs: Adverbs Time And Place

in the direction of the sky

"The birds flew skyward."

"As the fireworks exploded, the colorful sparks shot skyward, illuminating the dark night with brilliant hues."

outward or away from a starting place, often with the sense of departure

"Go forth and explore."

"Go forth and explore the world because there is so much to see and learn beyond your own neighborhood."

in a slanted direction, forming an angle with a given line or surface

"The path goes diagonally."

"To reach the other side of the field most quickly, you should walk diagonally across the open grass."

in a direction extending outward from a central point

"The spokes extend radially."

"The veins in the leaf spread radially from the central stem, creating an intricate network of lines."

in the direction of the longest dimension

"Cut the cucumber lengthwise."

"Cut the cucumber lengthwise into long thin strips instead of chopping it into small round pieces."

in the direction of the longest dimension

"The crack ran longitudinally along the pipe."

"The crack ran longitudinally along the pipe from one end to the other without branching off to the sides."

at a right angle to a horizontal line or surface

"The pole stands vertically."

"The pole stands vertically and is perfectly straight so it does not lean to either side at all."

in a straight way that is parallel to the ground

"The line runs horizontally across the page."

"The line runs horizontally across the page from the left edge to the right edge without going up or down."

in a direction that is sideways or to the side

"The water moved laterally through the soil."

"The water moved laterally through the soil spreading out to the sides rather than soaking straight down."

toward a higher position

"His career moved upwardly."

"His career moved upwardly year after year and he eventually became the CEO of the company."

repeatedly going in one direction and then in the opposite direction

"The pendulum swung back and forth."

"He walked back and forth nervously while waiting for the doctor to tell him the results of the test."

with the head leading the way

"He dove headfirst into the pool."

"He dove headfirst into the pool without checking the depth first and hit his head on the bottom."

with the head positioned forward

"He fell headlong down the stairs."

"He fell headlong down the stairs and broke his arm in three places so he had to go to the emergency room."

toward the land from the direction of a ship or the sea

"The sailor swam ashore after the shipwreck."

"The sailor swam ashore after the shipwreck and collapsed on the beach exhausted and relieved to be alive."

over the edge or side of a boat or ship and into the water

"He fell overboard into the sea."

"He fell overboard into the sea and the crew threw him a life preserver to keep him afloat."

at or toward a higher level or position

"Look up now."

"The children excitedly pointed up at the hot air balloon as it floated gracefully across the morning sky."

at or toward a lower level or position

"Look down there."

"The frightened cat slowly climbed down from the tall tree after being coaxed by its owner."

on or toward the left side

"Turn left."

"When you reach the intersection, make a sharp left and continue for two blocks."

on or toward the right side

"Turn right here."

"Please drive right past the library and then take the next available exit."

into or inside of a place, object, or area

"Go in the house."

"Please put the groceries in the refrigerator as soon as you get home."

in a direction away from an enclosed or hidden space

"Go out."

"The explorers ventured out of the cave to see the vast expanse of the desert."

to or toward the front

"Move forward."

"Despite facing numerous challenges, the team continued to move forward with their ambitious project."

in or to the direction opposite to the front

"He fell backward onto the ground."

"He fell backward onto the ground after slipping on a banana peel that someone had carelessly left on the sidewalk."

in the direction ahead

"March onward, soldiers."

"With renewed determination, the explorers pressed onward into the unknown territory, eager to discover what lay ahead."

toward a lower level or position

"The plane flew downward toward the runway."

"The plane flew downward toward the runway and landed smoothly despite the strong wind blowing across the airport."

toward a higher level

"The balloon floated upward into the sky."

"The balloon floated upward into the sky and soon disappeared from our view behind the white fluffy clouds."

toward the center or inside of something

"He turned his gaze inward."

"He turned his gaze inward and thought deeply about his life and the choices he had made in the past."

away from a central or particular point

"The door opens outward."

"The door opens outward so do not try to pull it inward because you will not be able to open it that way."

toward or in the direction of one side

"He looked sideways at his friend."

"He looked sideways at his friend and gave him a wink to let him know that he understood the secret message."

in or along a direct line, without bending or deviation

"Go straight then turn left."

"Go straight then turn left at the traffic lights and you will see the post office on your right."

across from one side to the other

"He jumped over the fence."

"He jumped over the fence to escape from the angry dog that was chasing him through the yard."

used to refer to moving past or alongside something or someone

"She walked by."

"I go to work by bus every morning because it is cheaper than driving and less stressful."

from one side to the other side of something, typically through an opening or passage

"He walked through the door."

"The sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air."

in the direction of a road, path, etc., indicating a forward movement

"We walked along the beach."

"We walked along the beach collecting shells and watching the waves crash against the shore in the evening light."

toward the side and away from the main path

"Step aside please."

"Step aside please so that the paramedics can get through with the stretcher for the injured patient."

in the direction of a clock's hands

"Turn clockwise."

"Please tighten the lid by turning it clockwise until it is secure."

in the opposite direction of a clock's hands

"Turn the knob counterclockwise."

"Turn the knob counterclockwise to open the valve and release the pressure from the tank."