General Adverbs · B2 English Vocabulary List

used to say that something such as a number or amount is not exact

"The trip takes approximately two hours."

"The trip takes approximately two hours depending on traffic conditions and the route you choose to take."

in an adventurous or bold way

"He daringly jumped off the cliff."

"He daringly jumped off the cliff into the water below even though everyone warned him that it was too dangerous."

in a manner that falls short of expectations or desired standards

"Disappointingly the team lost again."

"Disappointingly the team lost again despite playing well and having many chances to score goals during the match."

in small amounts over a long period of time

"The sun gradually rose over the mountains."

"The sun gradually rose over the mountains and the sky turned from dark blue to soft pink and orange."

in a manner that does not cause harm or danger

"The snake lay harmlessly in the grass."

"The snake lay harmlessly in the grass and was not poisonous so we simply walked around it and continued on our hike."

at the starting point of a process or situation

"Initially I did not like him."

"Initially I did not like him but after getting to know him better I realized that he is actually a very kind person."

for the greatest part

"The decision was largely based on cost."

"The decision was largely based on cost rather than quality because the company had a very tight budget to work with."

to a specific extent or degree

"The sky is partly cloudy today."

"The sky is partly cloudy today so you might want to bring an umbrella just in case it rains later."

to a specific degree, particularly when compared to other similar things

"The house is relatively cheap."

"The house is relatively cheap compared to others in the same neighborhood because it needs some repairs and renovations."

in a manner that does not achieve the desired outcome

"He unsuccessfully tried to open the door."

"He unsuccessfully tried to open the door with the wrong key and then realized that he had taken the wrong set by mistake."

to a small amount or extent

"The soup is a tad salty."

"The soup is a tad salty for my taste but I can still eat it without complaining too much."

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 a simple or fundamental manner, without concern for less important details

"It is basically simple."

"Basically, the project aims to streamline the workflow by eliminating unnecessary steps."

in a way that is always the same

"She consistently arrives on time."

"She consistently arrives on time for work and never misses a day because she is very responsible."

in a way that continues without any pause

"The baby cries constantly."

"The baby is constantly crying for attention and his exhausted parents do not know what to do anymore."

in a way that expresses disapproval or fault-finding

"He spoke critically."

"The critic reviewed the play critically, pointing out several flaws in the script."

used to stress that a situation cannot be improved or corrected

"He was hopelessly lost in the city."

"He was hopelessly lost in the city and had to ask several strangers for directions before he finally found his way back to the hotel."

in a way that cannot be stopped or avoided, and certainly happens

"Inevitably mistakes will happen."

"Inevitably mistakes will happen when you try something new so do not be too hard on yourself when they occur."

in a manner that expresses what is really intended, without exaggeration

"It was literally freezing."

"The speaker literally captivated the entire audience with his insightful and engaging presentation."

used to refer to the outcome of a situation if the circumstances were different

"Hurry up otherwise you will be late."

"Hurry up otherwise you will be late for your appointment and the doctor will not be able to see you."

with everyone or everything included

"Overall, it was good."

"Overall, the team performed well, despite a few minor setbacks during the challenging competition."

in an exact way, often emphasizing correctness or clarity

"Measure the ingredients precisely."

"Measure the ingredients precisely if you want the cake to turn out perfectly and not be too dry or too wet."

in a way that demands or requires complete obedience

"Follow strictly the rules."

"Students are expected to strictly adhere to the school's dress code and behavioral guidelines at all times."

after a particular event or time

"He quit his job and subsequently moved away."

"He quit his job and subsequently started his own business which became very successful within a few years."

in a heartfelt and sincere manner

"I truly appreciate it."

"She was truly moved by the unexpected kindness shown to her during a difficult time."

used to emphasize the amount or intensity of something

"That is way too expensive for me."

"That is way too expensive for me so I will have to look for a cheaper alternative instead."

to a great extent or amount, especially when emphasizing significant variation or diversity

"English is widely spoken around the world."

"English is widely spoken around the world as a second language so learning it is very useful for travel and business."

in a kind, tender, or considerate manner

"She touched my arm gently."

"She gently stroked the cat's fur and it purred with contentment and closed its eyes."

close or next to the side of something or someone

"He walked alongside."

"He worked alongside his father for many years and learned everything about the family business before taking over as the new manager."

in a manner that is appropriate to the circumstances

"We acted accordingly to the rules."

"We acted accordingly to the rules and regulations and submitted all of the required documents before the deadline."

to or at the side that is further

"The house is beyond the hill."

"The school is beyond the bridge and then you turn left at the gas station and continue for about two hundred meters."