A1 Adverbs
A1 adverb vocabulary in alphabetical order with definitions and example sentences.
again
One more time; on another occasion.
Example
This must never happen again.
ago
Used in expressions of time with the simple past tense to show how far in the past something happened.
Example
two weeks/months/years ago
also
In addition; too.
Example
She's fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian.
always
At all times; on every occasion.
Example
There's almost always somebody at home in the evenings.
around
Approximately.
Example
He arrived around five o'clock.
back
To or into the place, condition, situation or activity where somebody/something was before.
Example
When is he coming back to work?
behind
At or towards the back of somebody/something; further back.
Example
She rode off down the road with the dog running behind.
below
At or to a lower level, position or place.
Example
They live on the floor below.
down
To or at a lower place or position.
Example
She jumped down off the chair.
downstairs
Down the stairs; on or to a floor of a house or building lower than the one you are on, especially the one at ground level.
Example
I couldn't sleep so I went downstairs and watched TV.
early
Near the beginning of a period of time, an event, a piece of work, etc.
Example
We arrived early the next day.
east
Towards the east.
Example
The house faces east.
else
In addition to something already mentioned.
Example
What else did he say?
enough
To the necessary degree.
Example
I hadn't trained enough for the game.
even
Used to emphasize something unexpected or surprising.
Example
She didn't even call to say she wasn't coming.
ever
Used in negative sentences and questions, or sentences with if to mean ‘at any time’.
Example
Nothing ever happens here.
far
A long distance away.
Example
We didn't go far.
fast
Quickly.
Example
Don't drive so fast!
first
Before anyone or anything else; at the beginning.
Example
‘Do you want a drink?’ ‘I'll finish my work first.’
hard
With great effort; with difficulty.
Example
to work hard
here
Used after a verb or preposition to mean ‘in, at or to this position or place’.
Example
I live here.
home
To or at the place where you live.
Example
Come on, it's time to go home.
how
In what way or manner.
Example
How does it work?
however
Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with something that has just been said.
Example
He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate.
late
After the expected, arranged or usual time.
Example
I got up late.
left
On or to the left side.
Example
Turn left at the intersection.
maybe
Used when you are not certain that something will happen or that something is true or is a correct number.
Example
Maybe he'll come, maybe he won't.
more
Used to form the comparative of most adjectives and adverbs with two or more syllables.
Example
She was far more intelligent than her sister.
most
Used to form the superlative of most adjectives and adverbs of two or more syllables.
Example
the most boring/beautiful part
much
To a great degree.
Example
Thank you very much for the flowers.
near
At a short distance away.
Example
A bomb exploded somewhere near.
never
Not at any time; not on any occasion.
Example
You never help me.
next
After something else; then; afterwards.
Example
What happened next?
north
Towards the north.
Example
The house faces north.
not
Used with be, do or have to form the negative of verbs; used to form the negative of modal verbs like can or must.
Example
She did not/didn’t see him.
now
(at) the present time.
Example
Where are you living now?
off
Used to say that something has been removed or become separated.
Example
He's had his beard shaved off.
often
Many times.
Example
We often go there.
OK
Safe and well; in a calm or happy state.
Example
Are you OK?
on
On somebody’s body; being worn.
Example
Put your coat on.
once
On one occasion only; one time.
Example
I've only been there once.
online
Onto the internet; using the internet or other computer network.
Example
Many children would rather go online than watch television.
only
Nobody or nothing except.
Example
There are only a limited number of tickets available.
out
Away from the inside of a place or thing.
Example
She ran out into the corridor.
outside
Not in a room, building or container but on or to the outside of it.
Example
I'm seeing a patient—please wait outside.
over
Across a street, an open space, etc.
Example
I stopped and crossed over.
pretty
To some extent; fairly.
Example
The game was pretty good.
probably
Used to say that something is likely to happen or to be true.
Example
You're probably right.
quickly
Fast.
Example
She walked quickly away.
right
On or to the right side.
Example
Turn right at the end of the street.
so
To such a great degree.
Example
Don't look so angry.
sometimes
Occasionally rather than all of the time.
Example
Sometimes I go by car.
soon
In a short time from now; a short time after something else has happened.
Example
She sold the house soon after her husband died.
south
Towards the south.
Example
This room faces south.
still
Continuing until a particular point in time and not finishing.
Example
I am very happy that you all are still alive and well.
there
Used to show that something exists or happens.
Example
There's a restaurant around the corner.
through
From one end or side of something to the other.
Example
Put the coffee in the filter and let the water run through.
today
On this day.
Example
I've got a piano lesson later today.
tomorrow
On or during the day after today.
Example
I'm off now. See you tomorrow.
tonight
On or during the evening or night of today.
Example
Will you have dinner with me tonight?
too
Used before adjectives and adverbs to say that something is more than is good, necessary, possible, etc.
Example
He's far too young to go on his own.
under
Below something.
Example
He pulled up the covers and crawled under.
up
Towards or in a higher position.
Example
He jumped up from his chair.
upstairs
Up the stairs; on or to a floor of a house or other building higher than the one that you are on.
Example
to run/walk/head upstairs
usually
In the way that is usual or normal; most often.
Example
How long does the journey usually take?
very
Used before adjectives, adverbs and determiners to mean ‘in a high degree’ or ‘extremely’.
Example
Very few people know that.
well
In a good, right or acceptable way.
Example
They played well in the tournament.
west
Towards the west.
Example
This room faces west.
when
At what time; on what occasion.
Example
When did you last see him?
where
In or to what place or situation.
Example
Where do you live?
why
Used in questions to ask the reason for or purpose of something.
Example
Why were you late?
yesterday
On the day before today.
Example
A company spokeswoman said yesterday that no final decision had been made yet.