1.

overall
including everything
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
2. marvellous
extraordinarily good or great
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
3. definitely
without question and beyond doubt
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed
plentydefinitely instead
4. barely
in a sparse or scanty way

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually

suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
5. sadly
in an unfortunate way
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
6. eventually
after an unspecified period of time or a long delay
otherwise though within even almost unless worth
rather eventuallysuddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
7. sharply
very suddenly and to a great degree
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely

towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty

definitely instead
8. utterly
completely and without qualification
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly
presently utterlyslightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
9. awful
exceptionally bad or displeasing
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
10.

fairly

without favoring one party, in a fair evenhanded manner

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
11.

slightly

to a small degree or extent

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently
utterlyslightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
12.

plenty

a full supply
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall
indeed plentydefinitely instead
13.

otherwise

in another and different manner

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
14.

presently

at this time or period; now

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply

sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly

slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
15.

worth

the quality that renders something desirable or valuable

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
16.

straight

having no deviations
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
17.

instead

in place of, or as an alternative to

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead

18.

suddenly

happening unexpectedly
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather
eventuallysuddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
19.

therefore

from that fact or reason or as a result

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
20.

within

on the inside
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
21.

indeed

in truth (often tends to intensify)

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually

suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
22.

rather

more readily or willingly

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
23.

almost

slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
24.

though

(postpositive) however
otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely

towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty

definitely instead
25.

even

being level or straight or regular and without variation

otherwise though within even almost unless worth rather eventually
suddenly sharply
sadly straight marvellous awful seldomly among fairly presently utterly
slightly barely
towards whilst whether therefore whenever overall indeed plenty
definitely instead
26.

so far

to the degree or extent that

27.

wherever

where in the world

28.

above all

above and beyond all other consideration

29.

on the other hand

(contrastive) from another point of view

30.

additional

further or extra
31.

as well

in addition
32.

however

in whatever way or manner

33.

nevertheless

despite anything to the contrary

34.

thus

from that fact or reason or as a result

35.

hence

from that fact or reason or as a result

36.

moreover

in addition
37.

clearly

without doubt or question

38.

in the first place

before now
39.

according

in agreement with
40.

finally

as the end result of a succession or process

41.

unlikely

not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred

42.

similarly

in like manner
43.

likewise

in like or similar manner

44.

alike

having the same or similar characteristics

45.

in spite of appearance

in reality
46.

consequently

as a result
47.

insofar

to the degree or extent that

48.

assuming

excessively forward or presumptuous

49.

afterwards

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

ielts-yasi.englishlab.net

Adverbs
Adverbs are powerful. They add meaning and accuracy to what you say (and as
a result of this, they make what you say more interesting.)
Using adverbs at the beginning of a sentence can express a lot of meaning in
one word and it is good cohesion (language that has linkages of meaning)
because it helps the listener (or reader) to follow what you are going to say
next.
Most, but not all adverbs are composed of adjective + ly.
These notes do not cover adverbs of position and direction (e.g., beside,
opposite, around etc.)
Some of these words are not used exactly as you might think! So, check them
in a good dictionary that has examples.
Words listed under 'A' can be used at the beginning of a sentence or at other
places in a sentence. Words listed under 'B' are not usually used at the
beginning of a sentence.
*******************************************************************

A: Adverbs Used at the beginning of a sentence, followed by

a comma.
The adverbs listed under A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5 are words that can be used at
the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma.
The words in the 'A' lists have a strong cohesive (=linking) affect on your
language. All these words show a connection with what is spoken after the
comma but those that are highlighted in purple also show a connection with
what the speaker (or writer) said in the previous sentence. See HERE for more
on this topic.
Some of the words in the 'A' lists are examples of closely linking the beginning
of an answer to what the other person (the examiner) asked you or said. This is
another type of cohesion.
The groupings into A1 to A5 are not rigid groupings - some of these words
could also be classified under one or more of the other four 'A' groupings.
All of these adverbs can also be used at other places in a sentence - they are
not only used at the beginning of a sentence. ( See Section B, below, for
adverbs that do not normally occur as the first word of a sentence.)
These lists do not include adverbs of position and direction (e.g., beside,
opposite, around etc.)
A few of these words do not mean exactly as you might think! So, if you are
not sure, check in a good dictionary that includes examples.

A1: Expressing Feeling

Amazingly,

Sadly,

Astonishingly,

Seriously,

Curiously,

Strangely,

Disappointingly,

Surprisingly,

Fortunately,

Thankfully,

Frankly,

Tragically,

(Be careful - overused and

sometimes incorrectly used.)
Happily,

Unbelievably,

Hopefully,

Unfortunately,

Luckily,

Unluckily,

Regrettably,

A2: Expressing Personal Opinion or Judgment

Admittedly,

Miraculously,

Allegedly,

Mysteriously,

Apparently,

Naturally,

Appropriately,

Obviously,

Clearly,

Paradoxically,

Conveniently,

Personally,

Foolishly,

Plainly,

Ideally,

Presumably,

Importantly,

Remarkably,

Incredibly,

Superficially,

Inevitably,

Undeniably,

Inexplicably,

Undoubtedly,

Interestingly,

Unjustly,

Ironically,

Unnaturally,

A3: Expressing a Logical Idea

Accordingly,
Actually,
Additionally,

Hypothetically,
Immediately,
Incidentally,

Alternatively,

Lastly,

Basically,

Logically,

Certainly,

Officially,

Characteristically,

Possibly,

Coincidentally,

Potentially,

Conceivably,

Predictably,

Consequently,

Previously,

Consistently,

Probably,

Conversely,

Realistically,

Correctly,

Roughly (speaking),

Definitely,

Secondly,

Equally,

Significantly,

Essentially,

Similarly,

Eventually,

Specifically,

Evidently,

Subsequently,

Finally,

Supposedly,

Firstly,

Technically (speaking),

Fundamentally,

Theoretically,

Generally,

Typically,

A4: Used at the beginning of sentences for dramatic effect

(This list shows just a few examples)
Arrogantly,

Proudly,

Carelessly,

Reluctantly,

Casually,

Sensibly,

Childishly,

Unexpectedly,

Courageously,

Unwillingly,

Cunningly,

Wisely,

Desperately,

A5: Indicating the area where a situation exists

Globally,

Locally,

Internationally,

Nationally,

****************************************************************

B: Adverbs used at other places in a sentence, not followed

by a comma.
B1: Adverbs of manner
This is the largest group of adverbs. Here are some examples there are many more.

abruptly

professionally

carefully

rapidly

carelessly

simply

closely

softly

dramatically

steadily

distinctly

steeply

easily

strangely

explicitly

superbly

formally

thickly

frankly

thoroughly

patiently

urgently

plainly

vividly

politely

voluntarily

B2: Adverbs of Degree

absolutely

purely

approximately

quite

completely

radically

considerably

really

drastically

reasonably

entirely

roughly

extensively

scarcely

extremely

seemingly

fairly

simply

fully

simply

greatly

sincerely

gradually

slightly

hardly

somewhat

largely

strongly

nearly

thoroughly

noticeably

totally

outright

tremendously

partly

truly

poorly

utterly

positively

very

powerfully

virtually

pretty

well

profoundly

bookmark
B3: Adverbs that Focus on the Most Relevant Thing, or
Restrict
bookmark
alone

particularly

chiefly

predominantly

especially

primarily

exclusively

principally

just

purely

mainly

simply

mostly

solely

notably

specially

only

specifically

B4: Adverbs of Frequency

always

occasionally

constantly

often

continually

periodically

continuously

rarely

ever

regularly

frequently

repeatedly

from time to time

seldom

hardly ever

sometimes

infrequently

sporadically

never

usually

normally
Notes for adverbs of frequency
1. Some people confuse the meaning of 'always' with 'often' or 'usually'. 'Always'
means 'every time' (). For example: "What do you do on
Saturdays?" "I always go shopping." This means that you go
shopping every Saturday (or 99% of Saturdays). This might be true but 'usually'
or 'often' seem to be better choices. Some people overuse the word 'always'.
2. 'Always' can also be used as an adverb of duration (how long), meaning ,
when talking about the past or for the future. For example: "I've always
worked in the IT industry." and, "I'll always love you."
3. 'Ever' is used in a question but not in an affirmative () statement (except
for the type shown below at 4.). You can think of 'ever' as meaning, 'at least
once'. For example: "Have you ever been to Tibet?" is correct. But, "I have ever
been to Yunnan." is incorrect. Just say, "I have been to Yunnan." (I've been to
Yunnan.)
4. 'Ever' can be used in one type of affirmative sentence, when we include the idea
of + and the present perfect tense (For example,
"That's the best book I've ever read.""He's the tallest man I've ever seen."

B5: Adverbs of Certainty

You should try to use these sometimes when you talk about the future.
certainly
definitely
surely
probably

possibly

A: Adverbs Used at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma.

The adverbs listed under A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5 are words that can be used at the beginning of a
sentence, followed by a comma.
The words in the A lists have a strong cohesive (=linking) affect on studentss language. All these words
show a connection with what is spoken after the comma but those that are highlighted in purple also show
a connection with what the speaker (or writer) said in the previous sentence.
Some of the words in the A lists are examples of closely linking the beginning of an answer to what the
other person (the examiner) asked you or said. This is another type of cohesion.
The groupings into A1 to A5 are not rigid groupings some of these words could also be classified under
one or more of the other four A groupings.
All of these adverbs can also be used at other places in a sentence they are not only used at the
beginning of a sentence. ( See Section B, below, for adverbs that do not normally occur as the first word
of a sentence.)
These lists do not include adverbs of position and direction (e.g., beside, opposite, around etc.)
A few of these words do not mean exactly as IELTS candidate might think! So, if IELTS student is not
sure, he/she should check in a good dictionary that includes examples.
A1: Expressing Feeling
Amazingly,
Sadly,
Astonishingly,
Seriously,
Curiously,
Strangely,
Disappointingly,
Surprisingly,

Fortunately,
Thankfully,
Frankly, (Be careful overused and sometimes incorrectly used.)
Tragically,
Happily,
Unbelievably,
Hopefully,
Unfortunately,
Luckily,
Unluckily,
Regrettably,
A2: Expressing Personal Opinion or Judgment
Admittedly,
Miraculously,
Allegedly,
Mysteriously,
Apparently,
Naturally,
Appropriately,
Obviously,
Clearly,
Paradoxically,
Conveniently,
Personally,
Foolishly,
Plainly,
Ideally,
Presumably,
Importantly,
Remarkably,
Incredibly,
Superficially,
Inevitably,
Undeniably,
Inexplicably,
Undoubtedly,
Interestingly,
Unjustly,
Ironically,
Unnaturally,

A3: Expressing a Logical Idea

Accordingly,
Hypothetically,
Actually,
Immediately,
Additionally,
Incidentally,
Alternatively,
Lastly,
Basically,
Logically,
Certainly,
Officially,
Characteristically,
Possibly,
Coincidentally,
Potentially,
Conceivably,
Predictably,
Consequently,
Previously,
Consistently,
Probably,
Conversely,
Realistically,
Correctly,
Roughly (speaking),
Definitely,
Secondly,
Equally,
Significantly,
Essentially,
Similarly,
Eventually,
Specifically,
Evidently,
Subsequently,
Finally,
Supposedly,
Firstly,
Technically (speaking),
Fundamentally,
Theoretically,

Generally,
Typically,
A4: Used at the beginning of sentences for dramatic effect
(This list shows just a few examples)
Arrogantly,
Proudly,
Carelessly,
Reluctantly,
Casually,
Sensibly,
Childishly,
Unexpectedly,
Courageously,
Unwillingly,
Cunningly,
Wisely,
Desperately,
A5: Indicating the area where a situation exists
Globally,
Locally,
Internationally,
Nationally,
****************************************************************
B: Adverbs used at other places in a sentence, not followed by a comma.
B1: Adverbs of manner
This is the largest group of adverbs. Here are some examples there are many more.
abruptly
professionally
carefully
rapidly
carelessly
simply
closely
softly
dramatically
steadily
distinctly
steeply
easily
strangely

explicitly
superbly
formally
thickly
frankly
thoroughly
patiently
urgently
plainly
vividly
politely
voluntarily
B2: Adverbs of Degree
absolutely
purely
approximately
quite
completely
radically
considerably
really
drastically
reasonably
entirely
roughly
extensively
scarcely
extremely
seemingly
fairly
simply
fully
simply
greatly
sincerely
gradually
slightly
hardly
somewhat
largely
strongly
nearly

thoroughly
noticeably
totally
outright
tremendously
partly
truly
poorly
utterly
positively
very
powerfully
virtually
pretty
well
profoundly
bookmark
B3: Adverbs that Focus on the Most Relevant Thing, or Restrict
bookmark
alone
particularly
chiefly
predominantly
especially
primarily
exclusively
principally
just
purely
mainly
simply
mostly
solely
notably
specially
only
specifically
B4: Adverbs of Frequency
always
occasionally
constantly
often

continually
periodically
continuously
rarely
ever
regularly
frequently
repeatedly
from time to time
seldom
hardly ever
sometimes
infrequently
sporadically
never
usually
normally
Notes for adverbs of frequency
Some people confuse the meaning of always with often or usually. Always means every time (
). For example: What do you do on Saturdays? I always go shopping. This means that you go
shopping every Saturday (or 99% of Saturdays). This might be true but usually or often seem to be
better choices. Some people overuse the word always.
Always can also be used as an adverb of duration (how long), meaning , when talking about the past
or for the future. For example: Ive always worked in the IT industry. and, Ill always love you.
Ever is used in a question but not in an affirmative () statement (except for the type shown below
at 4.). You can think of ever as meaning, at least once. For example: Have you ever been to Tibet? is
correct. But, I have ever been to Yunnan. is incorrect. Just say, I have been to Yunnan. (Ive been to
Yunnan.)
Ever can be used in one type of affirmative sentence, when we include the idea of + and the
present perfect tense (For example, Thats the best book Ive ever read.Hes the
tallest man Ive ever seen.
B5: Adverbs of Certainty
You should try to use these sometimes when you talk about the future.
certainly
definitely
surely
probably
possibly