Reading and Writing · 08 · Grammar Foundations
Adverbs
Notes
Key points
- Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives and other adverbs: how, when, where, how much.
- Most end in -ly, but not all: fast, well, often, very.
- good is an adjective; well is its adverb: “She sings well.”
- Conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore) can't join two sentences with just a comma.
- Placement changes meaning: “only”, “just”, “almost” go next to what they limit.
Rules
Use an adverb to describe a verb.
The team worked quickly.
The team worked quick.
Use an adverb to describe an adjective.
The results were remarkably clear.
The results were remarkable clear.
“However” between two sentences needs a semicolon or period.
The plan was bold; however, it failed.
The plan was bold, however, it failed.
Common traps
- “Performed good” — after an action verb it's well.
- Treating “however” like “but” and joining two sentences with a comma.
SAT tip
On the SAT, adverbs like “however” often test punctuation: if full sentences sit on both sides, you need a semicolon or period.
Test yourself
10 official SAT questions on Adverbs, easiest first.