If we use more than one adverb to describe a verb, though, there is a general order in which the different categories of adverbs should appear—this is known as the order of adverbs (sometimes called the royal order of adverbs):
1. Manner
2. Place
3. Frequency
4. Time
5. Purpose
Of course, it is uncommon to use five adverbs in a row to modify the same word, but if a sentence uses two or three, then it is best to follow this order to avoid sounding unnatural.
First, let’s briefly summarize the different categories of adverbs, and then we’ll look at how we can use them together in sentences.
(*Note: For the sake of conciseness, both single-word adverbs and adverbial phrases will be referred to together as “adverbs” throughout this section.)
Categories of Adverbs
Adverbs of Manner
Adverbs of manner tell us how something happens, how someone does something, or give character to a description. They are usually formed by adding “-ly” to an adjective, as in:
“She sings beautifully.”
“He walks slowly.”
“The children are playing happily.”
If an adjective already ends in “-ly,” we can give it an adverbial function by simply using it in the prepositional phrase “in a ______ manner”:
“They played in a lively manner.”
“Please arrive in a timely manner.”
Adverbs of Place
Adverbs of place tell us about an aspect of location associated with the action of a verb, specifying the direction, distance, movement, or position involved in the action.
For example:
“He kicked the ball into the field.”
“Let’s drive down a bit farther.”
“Everyone gazed upwards at the meteor shower.”
“I’ve looked everywhere for my book.”
Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency (sometimes called frequency adverbs) tell us how often something happens or is the case. They are sometimes used to describe definite frequency, as in:
“I run eight miles daily.”
“Every year, our office holds a big raffle for charity.”
More often, though, these adverbs are used to describe indefinite frequency. For example:
“We usually go to the movies on Sundays.”
“Bethany always runs late for work in the morning.”
Adverbs of Time
Adverbs of time tell us when or for how long something happens or is the case. They are similar to but distinct from adverbs of frequency.
For example:
“I’m going to the movies tomorrow.”
“Next year, I’m going to run for president.”
“We’ve been dating for 10 years, and not once has he proposed!”
“Are you still working on that project?”
Adverbs of Purpose
Adverbs of purpose (sometimes called adverbs of reason) tell us why something happens or is the case. They are generally made up of conjunctive adverbs, prepositional or infinitive phrases, or adverbial clauses. For example:
“Jen hadn’t enjoyed the play; as a result, she didn’t recommend it.”
“The clothing is handcrafted and hence expensive.”
“Given the huge amount of public interest, they are extending the program for another three months.”
“I went to the store to buy some milk.”
“I am exhausted because I was working all night.
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