Order of Adverbs

An adverb is a word or set of words that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Usually adverbs modify verbs, telling us how, how often, when, or where something was done.

As adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, phrases, clauses, or even entire sentences, they are able to function nearly anywhere in the sentence, depending on their type and what it is they are modifying.

If we use more than one adverb to describe a verb, there is a general order in which the different categories of adverbs should appear (sometimes called the royal order of adverbs):

1. manner
2. place
3. frequency
4. time
5. purpose

It is uncommon to use five adverbs in a row to modify the same word, but if a sentence uses two or more, then it is best to follow this order to avoid sounding unnatural.

Adverbs of manner tell us how something happens, how someone does something, or give character to a description.

Adverbs of place tell us about an aspect of location associated with the action of a verb, specifying the direction, distance, movement, or position involved in the action.

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens.

Adverbs of time tell us when or for how long something happens or is the case.

Adverbs of purpose tell us why something happens.

Adverbs indicating the attitude and point of view of the speaker or writer usually go at the beginning.

Guided Practice

• (1) manner.
• .................... time.
• .................... frequency.
• .................... place.
• .................... purpose.

• Beth performs confidently/all the time/on the stage.
• Dan works three times a week/because he is saving money for a trip/at a diner.
• My dad swims in the ourdoor pool/every day/to stay in shape/before sunset/enthusiastically.

• You/to keep/can't/obviously/a secret.

Short Story using Orders of Adverbs

–We hardly ever meet up! When are you free this weekend?

–Honestly, I don't know. We have a huge project at work and my boss wants everything to be perfect. So as you can imagine, we are working overtime.

–Gosh, that doesn't sound great. Do sleep 8 hours a day at least?

–I usually sleep 5 hours a day. I also need to do some household chores to keep my place clean. I'll give you a call next week, OK?

Independent Practice

Which of the following is an adverb/adverbial phrase of:

manner - place - frequency - time - purpose

1. at 7 o'clock in the morning

2. to be more healthy

3. annually

4. in the worst way possible

5. at the park

Restore the word order in the following sentences.

1. My little brother/as he can be with his friends/to like/to go to school.

2. The lady/to me/in/to talk/a friendly manner.

3. Honestly/we/can afford/I/not to think/a vacation abroad/this year.

4. Sam/to get up/at weekends/late/usually.

5. I/at 6 o'clock/to go/every morning/for a run.