Table of Contents

Adverbs for commenting

Introduction

computer laptop meeting colleagues   "Presumably, you've tried looking in this folder. "Yes, generally, that's where I'd expect to find it but it isn't there."

Definition

These adverbs are used to make a comment or judgement on something or to indicate which viewpoint we are speaking from.


Construction

Commenting and viewpoint adverbs are often placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause, followed by a comma, because they relate to the entire sentence or clause:

 

            Honestly, I think it's a bad idea. [The speaker is giving you an honest opinion.]

            She deals with people honestly. ['in an honest way' - an adverb of manner]

 

            Amazingly, he did well in his exam. [I'm amazed about his exam result.]

            He did amazingly well in his exam.  [an intensifier meaning 'extremely well']

 

They can, however, be placed in the middle or at the end.

 

            Clearly, she's the best person for the job.

            She's clearly the best person for the job.

            She's the best person for the job, clearly.

 

Because word order depends on the type and meaning of the adverb, if in doubt, refer to a good dictionary for example sentences.


Uses

Use

Examples

To express a view on how likely something is

Apparently, Alex is considering applying for a job in Japan. [This appears to be the case for the speaker but he isn't sure.]

 

Undoubtedly, it would be a great opportunity for him.

 

Surely, he'll accept it if it's offered to him, won't he?

 

Other examples: certainly, clearly, definitely, obviously, probably

 

To show our attitude or opinion

Amazingly, he turned the offer down!

[The speaker is amazed.]

 

Frankly, I think he's mad.

 

Seriously, though, I think he'll regret it.

 

Other examples: curiously, hopefully, interestingly, luckily, naturally, sadly, strangely, surprisingly, unbelievably

 

To make a judgement of what someone does

Foolishly, he didn't appreciate all the potential benefits.

[The speaker thinks Alex is foolish.]

 

His boss generously gave him some more time to think it over.

 

Wisely, Alex has agreed to reconsider.

 

Other examples: bravely, carelessly, kindly, rightly, stupidly, wrongly

 

To indicate the viewpoint from which we are speaking - identifying which aspect of something we're talking about

Although it made the company more well-known, financially, it was a disaster.

 

He's up to the job physically but not mentally.

 

Politically, the country is more stable now but crime remains a problem.

 

Other examples: emotionally, environmentally, logically, medically, morally, spiritually, technically, visually

 


Examples

lecturer, university professor, teacher, chemistry    Obviously, I don't expect you to remember all of this for tomorrow's test.

rain umbrella pluie parapluie temps weather    Hopefully, it will stop raining soon.

woman, tired, sleep, desk   Stupidly, I agreed to work late tonight - what was I thinking?!

engineers ingĂ©nieurs countryside campagne hard hats casques blue bleu field    Visually, we decided this was the best spot but environmentally, we could face opposition.