A2 Adverbs
A2 adverb vocabulary in alphabetical order with definitions and example sentences.
abroad
In or to a foreign country.
Example
to go/travel/live/study abroad
actually
Used in speaking to emphasize a fact or a comment, or that something is really true.
Example
What did she actually say?
all right
Acceptable; in an acceptable manner.
Example
Is the coffee all right?
alone
Without any other people.
Example
not alone in, Tom is not alone in finding Rick hard to work with.
along
Forward.
Example
I was just walking along singing to myself.
already
Before now or before a particular time in the past.
Example
‘Lunch?’ ‘No thanks, I've already eaten.’
anywhere
Used in negative sentences and in questions instead of somewhere.
Example
I can't see it anywhere.
as
Used when you are comparing two people or things, or two situations.
Example
You're as tall as your father.
badly
Without skill or care.
Example
to play/sing badly
before
At an earlier time; in the past; already.
Example
You should have told me so before.
better
In a more excellent or pleasant way; not as badly.
Example
She sings much better than I do.
carefully
With a lot of attention or thought, so that you avoid hurting yourself, damaging something or doing something wrong.
Example
Drive carefully.
certainly
Without doubt.
Example
Without treatment, she will almost certainly die.
clearly
In a way that is easy to see or hear.
Example
Please speak clearly after the tone.
completely
In every way possible; in every part.
Example
It was completely different from how I had imagined it.
correctly
In a way that is accurate or true, without any mistakes.
Example
Have you spelled it correctly?
definitely
A way of emphasizing that something is true and that there is no doubt about it.
Example
I definitely remember sending the letter.
differently
In a different way from somebody/something.
Example
Boys and girls may behave differently.
easily
Without problems or difficulty.
Example
The museum is easily accessible by car.
either
Used after negative phrases to state that a feeling or situation is similar to one already mentioned.
Example
Pete can't go and I can't either.
especially
More with one person, thing, etc. than with others, or more in particular circumstances than in others.
Example
Teenagers are very fashion conscious, especially girls.
everywhere
In, to or at every place; all places.
Example
I've looked everywhere.
extremely
To a very high degree.
Example
It is extremely important to follow the directions exactly.
finally
After a long time, especially when there has been some difficulty or delay.
Example
The performance finally started half an hour late.
fortunately
By good luck.
Example
I was late, but fortunately the meeting hadn't started.
forward
Towards a place or position that is in front.
Example
She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.
half
To the extent of half.
Example
The glass was half full.
happily
In a cheerful way; with feelings of pleasure.
Example
children playing happily on the beach
immediately
Without delay.
Example
She answered almost immediately.
inside
On or to the inside.
Example
She shook it to make sure there was nothing inside.
last
After anyone or anything else; at the end.
Example
He came last in the race.
least
To the smallest degree.
Example
He always turns up just when you least expect him.
less
To a smaller degree; not so much.
Example
less expensive/likely/intelligent
loudly
In a way that makes a lot of noise.
Example
She screamed as loudly as she could.
mostly
Mainly; generally.
Example
The sauce is mostly cream.
normally
Usually; in normal circumstances.
Example
I would never normally discuss this.
nowhere
Not in or to any place.
Example
I had nowhere to live, so I was sleeping on my sister's couch.
past
From one side of something to the other.
Example
She smiled at me as she walked past.
percent
By a certain amount for every hundred.
Example
Sales rose 15 percent last year.
perhaps
Possibly.
Example
‘Are you going to come?’ ‘Perhaps. I'll see how I feel.’
quietly
In a way that makes very little noise.
Example
to ask/speak/talk quietly
recently
Not long ago.
Example
a recently published book
sadly
In a sad way.
Example
‘I'm so sorry,’ she said sadly.
secondly
Used to introduce the second of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing.
Example
Firstly, it's expensive, and secondly, it's too slow.
slowly
At a slow speed; not quickly.
Example
to move/walk/turn slowly
somewhere
In, at or to a place that you do not know or do not mention by name.
Example
I read somewhere that she refuses to do interviews.
straight
Not in a curve or at an angle; in a straight line.
Example
Keep straight on for two miles.
suddenly
Quickly and unexpectedly.
Example
I suddenly realized what I had to do.
sure
Used to say ‘yes’ to somebody.
Example
‘Will you get me my coat?’ ‘Sure, where is it?’
underground
Under the surface of the ground.
Example
Rescuers found victims trapped several feet underground.
unfortunately
Used to say that a particular situation or fact makes you sad or disappointed, or gets you into a difficult position.
Example
Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the meeting.