Correct use of Adverbs

"A verb is modified or qualified by an adverb in the same way an adjective does for a noun. Adjectives and other adverbs are qualified as well."

Rule 1: Adverbs should be positioned as close to the verb or words they modify.

For Example: 

• We arrived early.
• He worked hard.

Rule 2: Usually, the word "only" is misused. Only must come just before the term it modifies.

For Example:

Study the following sentence:

• I scold him only when he abuses.
• I only scold him when he abuses.

A change in the position of "only" changes the meaning.

• The first sentence indicates the reason for scolding.
• The second sentence suggests that except him nobody else scolds him.

So one should be careful in the placement of the adverb.

Rule 3: Adverbs of time such as seldom, ever, never, generally, scarcely, merely, often etc. are put before the verb.

For Example:

• Incorrect: Speaking generally, the rule is unfair.
• Correct: Generally speaking, the rule is unfair.

• Incorrect: I go often for a walk.
• Correct: I often go for a walk.

• Incorrect: She comes on time.
• Correct: She seldom comes on time.

Rule 4: Much is used in

               (i) with the past participle.

              (ii) the comparative degree.

            Very is used in

              (i) the positive degree.

             (ii) with the present participle.

For Example:

• I am feeling much better. (not very better)
• The news is very interesting. (not much interesting)
• She was much delighted. (not very delighted)

NOTE: Very comes before "pleased" and "tired" in past participles.

For Example:

1. I am very tired.
2. My sister is very pleased.

Rule 5: Else should be followed by but, not by then.

For Example:

• Who else but Razia would do this.

Rule 6: 

            (i)As is used in affirmative sentences.

           (ii)So and as used in negative sentences.

For Example:

• My mother is as good as gold.
• Ayesha is not so nice as her neighbour.

Rule 7: Too should not be used in place of much or very. Additionally, it must be followed by "to".

For Example:

• The burden was too much for one coolie "to" bear.
• His result is too good "to" be true.