Adverbs of completion play a crucial role in English grammar by indicating the extent to which an action or state is finished or fulfilled. Understanding these adverbs allows you to express nuances of completion, enhancing clarity and precision in your writing and speech.
Whether you’re an English language learner, a student preparing for exams, or simply someone looking to refine your grammar skills, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of adverbs of completion, their usage, and common pitfalls to avoid. By mastering this topic, you’ll be able to communicate your ideas with greater accuracy and confidence.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Adverbs of Completion
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Adverbs of Completion
- Examples of Adverbs of Completion
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Adverbs of Completion
An adverb of completion, also known as an adverb of degree, modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the degree or extent to which something is completed. These adverbs answer the question “to what extent?” or “how much?” concerning the completion of an action or the intensity of a state.
They provide essential information about the level of fulfillment, ranging from complete to partial.
Adverbs of completion are essential for conveying precise meaning and avoiding ambiguity. They allow speakers and writers to express the degree to which something is done, providing a more nuanced understanding of the action or state being described.
For example, saying “I almost finished the report” conveys a different meaning than “I completely finished the report.”
The role of these adverbs extends beyond simple grammatical correctness. They contribute significantly to the overall tone and effectiveness of communication.
Mastering their use is vital for achieving clarity and accuracy in both spoken and written English.
Structural Breakdown
Adverbs of completion typically modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Their placement in a sentence can vary depending on the specific adverb and the element it modifies.
Understanding the basic structure helps in using these adverbs correctly and effectively.
When modifying a verb, the adverb of completion usually appears before the main verb, especially in simple tenses. However, with auxiliary verbs, the adverb typically comes between the auxiliary and the main verb.
For example, “I have almost finished” is more common than “I almost have finished.”
When modifying an adjective or another adverb, the adverb of completion usually precedes the word it modifies. This placement is crucial for maintaining clarity and avoiding misinterpretation.
For example, “completely satisfied” is the standard order, not “satisfied completely.”
The basic structure can be summarized as follows:
- Before the main verb: She entirely forgot her keys.
- Between auxiliary and main verb: They have completely understood the instructions.
- Before an adjective: He is fully aware of the risks.
- Before another adverb: She ran quite quickly.
Types and Categories of Adverbs of Completion
Adverbs of completion can be categorized based on the degree of completion they express. These categories range from indicating full completion to partial or near completion.
Understanding these categories helps in choosing the most appropriate adverb for a given context.
Adverbs Indicating Full Completion
These adverbs signify that an action is entirely finished or a state is fully achieved. Examples include: completely, entirely, fully, totally, absolutely, perfectly, thoroughly.
Adverbs Indicating Partial Completion
These adverbs suggest that an action is partially completed or a state is not fully achieved. Examples include: almost, nearly, practically, virtually, partly, somewhat.
Adverbs Indicating Near Completion
These adverbs imply that an action is very close to being completed. Examples include: just about, all but, close to, on the verge of.
Adverbs Indicating Gradual Completion
These adverbs describe a process that is nearing completion incrementally. Examples include: increasingly, gradually, progressively.
Examples of Adverbs of Completion
The following tables provide extensive examples of adverbs of completion used in various contexts. Each table focuses on a specific category of adverbs, illustrating their usage with clear and varied sentences.
These examples will help you understand how to incorporate these adverbs into your own writing and speech.
Examples of Adverbs Indicating Full Completion
The following table showcases adverbs that indicate full completion. Notice how each adverb modifies the verb or adjective to emphasize the completeness of the action or state.
| Adverb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Completely | The project was completely finished by the deadline. |
| Entirely | I entirely agree with your assessment of the situation. |
| Fully | She is fully aware of the consequences of her actions. |
| Totally | They were totally exhausted after the marathon. |
| Absolutely | The performance was absolutely stunning. |
| Perfectly | The plan worked perfectly, just as we had hoped. |
| Thoroughly | He thoroughly cleaned the house before the guests arrived. |
| Utterly | The experience was utterly unforgettable. |
| Wholly | The decision was wholly based on the evidence presented. |
| Altogether | The team was altogether successful in achieving its goals. |
| Conclusively | The experiment conclusively proved the hypothesis. |
| Definitively | The issue has been definitively resolved. |
| Irrevocably | The bond between them was irrevocably broken. |
| Unreservedly | I unreservedly recommend her for the position. |
| Unquestionably | He is unquestionably the best candidate. |
| Undeniably | The impact of the policy is undeniably positive. |
| Positively | I am positively certain that I locked the door. |
| Categorically | She categorically denied the allegations. |
| Unconditionally | They offered their support unconditionally. |
| Unambiguously | The message was unambiguously clear. |
| Exhaustively | The research was exhaustively detailed and covered every aspect. |
| Impeccably | She performed impeccably during the presentation. |
| Faultlessly | He executed the plan faultlessly, leaving no room for error. |
| Unflinchingly | She faced the challenge unflinchingly and with great courage. |
| Unassailably | His reputation is unassailably strong within the community. |
| Integrally | The software is integrally designed to improve workflow. |
| Solidly | The foundation of the building was built solidly and securely. |
| Incontrovertibly | The evidence incontrovertibly proves his innocence. |
| Resoundingly | The measure passed resoundingly with overwhelming support. |
| Unreservedly | I unreservedly endorse this new approach for its potential benefits. |
Examples of Adverbs Indicating Partial Completion
The following table provides examples of adverbs that indicate partial completion. These adverbs show that an action or state is not yet fully realized.
| Adverb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Almost | I almost missed the train this morning. |
| Nearly | She nearly fainted from the heat. |
| Practically | The work is practically done; we just need to finalize a few details. |
| Virtually | The old system is virtually obsolete. |
| Partly | The success of the event was partly due to the weather. |
| Somewhat | I am somewhat disappointed with the results. |
| Slightly | The room was slightly warmer than I expected. |
| Barely | He barely managed to finish the race. |
| Hardly | I hardly know anything about this topic. |
| Scarcely | We scarcely had enough time to catch our breath. |
| Marginally | The performance improved marginally over the last quarter. |
| Superficially | The review covered the topic only superficially. |
| Incompletely | The task was incompletely executed, requiring further attention. |
| Fragmentarily | The information was received fragmentarily, making it difficult to understand. |
| Peripherally | I am only peripherally involved in the project. |
| Tentatively | They tentatively agreed to the proposal. |
| Provisionally | The results are provisionally accepted pending further review. |
| Rudimentarily | He understood the concept only rudimentarily. |
| Sketchily | The plan was outlined only sketchily. |
| Nominally | He is nominally in charge, but lacks real authority. |
| Trivially | The problem was only trivially addressed in the report. |
| Inadequately | The resources were inadequately allocated for the project. |
| Partially | The task was only partially completed due to unforeseen issues. |
| Incompletely | The instructions were followed incompletely, leading to errors. |
| Halfway | We’re only halfway there in terms of completing the project. |
| Inclusively | The data was analyzed inclusively, leaving out some variables. |
| Selectively | The information was presented selectively to support the argument. |
| Circumstantially | The evidence was only circumstantially linked to the crime. |
| Tangentially | The topic was only tangentially related to the main discussion. |
Examples of Adverbs Indicating Near Completion
This table illustrates adverbs that suggest an action is very close to being completed. These adverbs convey a sense of anticipation or imminent completion.
| Adverb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Just about | I am just about to leave for the airport. |
| All but | The game was all but over when they scored the winning goal. |
| Close to | We are close to reaching our fundraising goal. |
| On the verge of | The company is on the verge of bankruptcy. |
| Nearing | The project is nearing completion. |
| Approaching | We are approaching the deadline for submissions. |
| Almost completely | The renovation is almost completely finished, just a few touch-ups left. |
| Nearly finished | The report is nearly finished; I just need to proofread it. |
| Practically ready | The meal is practically ready; just give me five more minutes. |
| Virtually done | The setup is virtually done; we’re ready for the presentation. |
| On the brink of | The scientific community is on the brink of a major breakthrough. |
| Verging on | His behavior was verging on inappropriate during the meeting. |
| At the threshold of | We are standing at the threshold of a new era in technology. |
| On the cusp of | The band is on the cusp of achieving international fame. |
| About to | The speaker was about to begin when the power went out. |
| On the point of | I was on the point of giving up when I found the solution. |
| On the edge of | We’re on the edge of a significant discovery in this field. |
| Within reach of | Success is within reach of those who persevere. |
| Drawing near to | The end of the semester is drawing near to, signaling exam season. |
| Coming close to | The company is coming close to hitting its annual revenue target. |
| Nearing the end of | We are nearing the end of our long journey, but the scenery is still beautiful. |
| On the verge of achieving | The athlete is on the verge of achieving a new personal best. |
| Approaching completion | The building project is approaching completion, with final touches underway. |
| Almost at the finish line | The runners are almost at the finish line, giving it their all. |
| Nearing the deadline | We are nearing the deadline for project submissions, so please hurry. |
| On the home stretch | The team is on the home stretch in this critical stage of development. |
| On the final leg | We are on the final leg of our journey, so let’s stay focused. |
| About to conclude | The meeting is about to conclude, so let’s wrap up the final points. |
| On the verge of success | The startup is on the verge of success after years of hard work. |
| Nearing the milestone | The company is nearing the milestone of its tenth anniversary. |
Usage Rules
To use adverbs of completion effectively, it’s essential to follow certain rules regarding their placement and compatibility with other words. Incorrect placement or usage can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
Placement Rules
- Before verbs: When modifying a verb, place the adverb before the main verb unless an auxiliary verb is present.
- Between auxiliary and main verb: If an auxiliary verb is present, the adverb goes between the auxiliary and the main verb.
- Before adjectives or adverbs: When modifying an adjective or another adverb, place the adverb directly before the word it modifies.
Compatibility Rules
- Avoid redundancy: Do not use adverbs of completion with words that already imply completion. For example, avoid saying “completely finished” since “finished” already implies completion.
- Choose the right degree: Select the adverb that accurately reflects the degree of completion you want to convey. Using “almost” when you mean “completely” can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.
Here’s a table summarizing the placement rules:
| Modified Element | Placement Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main Verb | Before the main verb | She completely forgot her appointment. |
| Auxiliary Verb + Main Verb | Between the auxiliary and main verb | They have almost finished the project. |
| Adjective | Before the adjective | He is fully aware of the situation. |
| Adverb | Before the adverb | She ran quite quickly. |
Common Mistakes
Several common mistakes can occur when using adverbs of completion. Being aware of these errors will help you avoid them and improve the accuracy of your writing and speech.
Redundancy
Using adverbs of completion with words that already imply completion is a common mistake. For example, saying “completely finished” is redundant because “finished” already implies completion.
Instead, use just “finished.”
Incorrect Placement
Placing the adverb in the wrong position can change the meaning of the sentence or make it sound awkward. Always ensure the adverb is placed correctly in relation to the verb, adjective, or adverb it modifies.
Misusing Adverbs of Degree
Using an adverb that doesn’t accurately reflect the degree of completion can lead to miscommunication. For example, using “slightly” when you mean “completely” can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Completely finished the task. | Finished the task. | “Completely” is redundant with “finished.” |
| I almost have done it. | I have almost done it. | Adverb should be between auxiliary and main verb. |
| He is aware fully of the risks. | He is fully aware of the risks. | Adverb should precede the adjective it modifies. |
| Slightly finished the project. | Almost finished the project. | “Slightly” does not accurately convey the intended degree of completion. |
| Entirely absolute. | Absolutely correct. | “Entirely” and “absolute” are redundant together. |
| She nearly completely aced the exam. | She nearly aced the exam. | “Completely” is redundant with “aced.” |
| The task is practicallyly finished. | The task is practically finished. | Misspelling of adverb. |
| Fully and totally complete. | Fully complete. | Both adverbs are unnecessary and reduce the sentence’s impact. |
Practice Exercises
The following exercises will help you practice using adverbs of completion correctly. Choose the most appropriate adverb to complete each sentence.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct adverb from the options provided to complete each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. I __________ agree with your assessment. | (a) almost, (b) completely, (c) slightly | (b) completely |
| 2. She __________ missed the bus this morning. | (a) fully, (b) nearly, (c) totally | (b) nearly |
| 3. The project is __________ finished. | (a) partly, (b) practically, (c) entirely | (b) practically |
| 4. I am __________ satisfied with the results. | (a) somewhat, (b) fully, (c) barely | (a) somewhat |
| 5. He __________ forgot his anniversary. | (a) totally, (b) slightly, (c) almost | (a) totally |
| 6. The food was __________ delicious. | (a) hardly, (b) absolutely, (c) partly | (b) absolutely |
| 7. I __________ understand the instructions. | (a) rarely, (b) fully, (c) slightly | (b) fully |
| 8. She __________ made it to the top of the mountain. | (a) fully, (b) nearly, (c) totally | (b) nearly |
| 9. The situation is __________ under control. | (a) fully, (b) almost, (c) slightly | (a) fully |
| 10. He __________ completed the marathon. | (a) hardly, (b) totally, (c) almost | (b) totally |
Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences. If the sentence is correct, write “Correct.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I completely finished the report. | Finished the report. |
| 2. She almost has arrived. | She has almost arrived. |
| 3. He is aware fully of the situation. | He is fully aware of the situation. |
| 4. They nearly missed entirely the flight. | They nearly missed the flight. |
| 5. I totally forgot completely about the meeting. | I totally forgot about the meeting. |
| 6. The task is practically finish. | The task is practically finished. |
| 7. The cake was fully delicious. | The cake was delicious. |
| 8. The project is almost done. | Correct. |
| 9. She barely completely understood the lecture. | She barely understood the lecture. |
| 10. I nearly have completed my assignment. | I have nearly completed my assignment. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of adverbs of completion can further refine their language skills. This includes exploring the subtle differences between seemingly similar adverbs and their use in idiomatic expressions.
Subtle Differences
Some adverbs of completion have subtle differences in meaning. For example, “completely” and “totally” both indicate full completion, but “totally” often carries a stronger emphasis or emotional connotation.
Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and expressive communication.
Idiomatic Expressions
Adverbs of completion are often used in idiomatic expressions, which can add color and depth to your language. For example, “fully booked” means that all available slots are reserved, while “totally awesome” expresses strong approval or admiration.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about adverbs of completion:
- What is an adverb of completion?
An adverb of completion, also known as an adverb of degree, modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the extent to which something is completed or the intensity of a state. - Where should I place an adverb of completion in a sentence?
It usually goes before the main verb, between the auxiliary and main verb, or before the adjective or adverb it modifies. - What are some common examples of adverbs of completion?
Common examples include completely, entirely, fully, almost, nearly, and practically. - How can I avoid redundancy when using adverbs of completion?
Avoid using adverbs of completion with words that already imply completion. For example, use “finished” instead of “completely finished.” - What is the difference between “almost” and “nearly”?
“Almost” and “nearly” are often interchangeable, but “almost” can sometimes imply a slightly greater degree of incompleteness than “nearly.” - Can adverbs of completion modify other adverbs?
Yes, they can. For example, “She ran quite quickly.” Here, “quite” (an adverb of completion) modifies the adverb “quickly.” - Are adverbs of completion the same as adverbs of frequency?
No, adverbs of completion indicate the degree or extent of completion, while adverbs of frequency indicate how often an action occurs. - How do adverbs of completion enhance written communication?
They add precision and clarity by specifying the extent to which an action is completed, helping to avoid ambiguity and ensure accurate understanding.
Conclusion
Adverbs of completion are essential tools for expressing precise degrees of fulfillment in English. By understanding their definitions, structural rules, and categories, you can effectively incorporate them into your writing and speech.
Avoiding common mistakes and practicing regularly will further enhance your mastery of these valuable adverbs.
Remember to pay attention to the context and choose the adverb that accurately reflects the intended degree of completion. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you can confidently use adverbs of completion to communicate your ideas with clarity and precision, enriching your overall command of the English language.
Keep practicing, and you’ll find your communication skills improving significantly.