Essential Adverbs: English Vocabulary List

used to show likelihood or possibility without absolute certainty

"She will probably come."

"They will probably arrive late because of traffic so we should start without them."

used to add another item, fact, or action to what has already been mentioned

"I also like soccer."

"I also enjoy playing basketball and soccer but my favorite sport is actually swimming."

used to indicate that something is completely accurate or correct

"That is exactly right."

"That is exactly what I wanted to say but I could not find the right words to express it."

used to say that something is nearly the case but not completely

"I almost finished my homework."

"I have almost finished reading this book and I hope to complete it by tonight before I go to sleep."

to a great amount or degree

"It helped greatly."

"Her encouragement greatly improved my confidence, allowing me to tackle challenges that I previously found overwhelming and scary."

in a way that is true in most cases

"Generally speaking it is a good school."

"Generally speaking it is a good school but some of the teachers are better than others."

after a long time, usually when there has been some difficulty

"Finally we are home."

"Finally the weekend has arrived and I can relax and forget about work for two whole days."

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."

in the end or after a lot of waiting

"At last we arrived home."

"At last we arrived home after a very long and tiring journey that lasted nearly twelve hours."

in position or direction that is further forward or in front of a person or thing

"Walk straight ahead."

"The finish line was just a few meters ahead of the runners."

thoroughly and precisely, with close attention to detail or correctness

"Drive carefully please."

"She carefully placed the fragile glass vase on the top shelf where it would be safe."

up to now or the time stated

"She is still sleeping."

"She is still waiting for the bus at the stop because it has not arrived despite being twenty minutes late."

after the thing mentioned

"We ate then left."

"First we went shopping then we had dinner at a nice restaurant near the harbor."

in a sorrowful or regretful manner

"Sadly he could not come."

"Sadly he could not come to the wedding because he was sick and the doctor told him to stay in bed."

at a pace that is not fast

"He walked slowly."

"The old man walked slowly across the street using his cane for support and balance."

for one single time

"I travel once a year."

"I go to the cinema once a month because I enjoy watching movies on the big screen."

for two instances

"I eat out twice a week."

"I exercise twice a week at the gym and go for a run on the other days to stay fit."

having a high speed when doing something, especially moving

"The car is fast."

"The fast runner crossed the finish line in record time breaking the previous record that had stood for ten years."

used to show uncertainty or hesitation

"Maybe we can go."

"Maybe we can go to the cinema tomorrow if you are free and there are good movies playing."

used to express an estimated number, time, or value

"Around ten people came."

"We expect around fifty guests to attend the wedding ceremony next Saturday afternoon."

away from one's home

"He is out now."

"After a long day at work, he was happy to be out of the office and heading home to relax."

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."

used to show surprise when someone says something that is not true

"I actually enjoyed the movie."

"I actually enjoyed the movie even though the reviews were terrible and my friends told me not to watch it."

used for showing that what you are saying is more closely related to a specific thing or person than others

"I love fruit especially apples."

"I love fruit especially apples and oranges because they are sweet and refreshing and good for health."

after a long time, usually when there has been some difficulty

"Finally the weekend has arrived."

"Finally the weekend has arrived and I can relax and forget about work for two whole days."

with anyone or anything else excluded

"I only have five dollars."

"I only have five dollars left in my wallet so I cannot afford to buy anything expensive today."

no more or no other than what is stated

"It is just one."

"He wanted just a small piece of cake, not the entire dessert."

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."

even if nothing else is done or true

"You should at least try."

"You should at least try to finish your homework before playing video games with your friends."

from one side of something to the other

"Go past the shop."

"He walked quickly past the crowded marketplace, eager to reach his destination without getting delayed by the many people."

in a way that something is done without much trouble or exertion

"She solved it easily."

"She solved the difficult math problem easily because she had studied hard all week."

in a way that is right or satisfactory

"You did well."

"She handled the difficult situation very well, maintaining her composure throughout the ordeal."

up to now or the time stated

"She is still waiting for the bus."

"She is still waiting for the bus at the stop because it has not arrived despite being twenty minutes late."

after the thing mentioned

"First we went shopping then we had dinner."

"First we went shopping then we had dinner at a nice restaurant near the harbor."

for one single time

"I go to the cinema once a month."

"I go to the cinema once a month because I enjoy watching movies on the big screen."

without restriction to a specific time

"Call me anytime you need."

"Call me anytime you need because I am always happy to help you with whatever problem you have."

in a rapid or quick way

"The rabbit runs fast."

"The rabbit runs fast but the tortoise was slow and steady and won the race in the end."