Adverbs

​Welcome to the wild world of adverbs. These little workhorses run around all over the English language. They are everywhere, and you can easily trip over them if you aren't careful. Adverbs, as you may already know, modify verbs and adjectives. They also relate to time and place. 
Below are some you know very well. 

1. I really dislike strawberry ice cream. 
2. The color she painted the kitchen is absolutely disgusting.
3. My sister sings beautifully. 

The list goes on and on. Here is a link to thousands of adverbs. 

There are many, many adverbs in English. However, there are several we use every day that can be tricky for English learners. Why are they tricky? Well, like verbs, some adverbs allow certain types of compliments (words that come after.) Below is a short list that shows some adverbs that often appear at the beginning of sentences. Notice that some adverbs want a complete sentence to follow them, while others only want a phrase. The exception is "while," which can accept a sentence or a phrase after it.


Rarely
do I take out the trash. (Correct)
taking out the trash (not correct)

Often
My brother practices his violin. (Correct)
My brother practicing his violin. (not correct)

As soon as
I hear the news, I will call you. (Correct)
hearing the news, I will call you. (not correct)

While
I was sitting on the porch, I heard a sound. (Correct)
Sitting on the porch, I heard a sound. (Correct)

Upon
I heard the news, I ran to the scene. (not correct)
Hearing the news, I ran to the scene. (Correct)