Adverbs of attitude, also known as adverbs of psychology or adverbs of manner (when expressing feeling about an action), are crucial for effective communication in English. They allow speakers and writers to convey their feelings, judgments, or perspectives about actions, events, or statements.
Mastering these adverbs enriches your vocabulary and allows you to express nuances in meaning that would otherwise be difficult to convey. This article provides a comprehensive guide to adverbs of attitude, their structure, usage, and common pitfalls.
This guide will benefit English language learners, writers, and anyone aiming to improve their expressive abilities in English.
By exploring various types of adverbs of attitude, examining numerous examples, and practicing their usage through targeted exercises, you will gain a solid understanding of how to effectively incorporate these adverbs into your speech and writing. Let’s dive in and unlock the power of adverbs of attitude!
Table of Contents
- Definition of Adverbs of Attitude
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Adverbs of Attitude
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Adverbs of Attitude
Adverbs of attitude (or adverbs of psychology) are words or phrases that modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb, expressing the speaker’s or writer’s opinion, feeling, or judgment about the action or statement being made. They provide context about the perspective from which something is being viewed or understood.
These adverbs add a layer of subjectivity to a sentence, allowing you to convey not only what happened but also how you feel about it. They often express agreement, disagreement, certainty, doubt, or evaluation.
Unlike adverbs of manner, which describe *how* an action is performed (e.g., *quickly, slowly*), adverbs of attitude describe *the speaker’s attitude* towards the action or statement. They answer the question, “What is your opinion or feeling about this?”.
They are crucial for conveying tone and adding depth to communication.
For example, consider the sentence: “He failed the test.” This statement is factual. However, by adding an adverb of attitude, we can express our feeling about this fact: “Unfortunately, he failed the test.” The adverb “unfortunately” reveals the speaker’s disappointment or regret. This simple addition significantly alters the impact of the sentence.
Structural Breakdown
Adverbs of attitude can take various forms, often ending in “-ly,” but not always. They can be single words, phrases, or even clauses.
Understanding their structure helps in identifying and using them correctly.
Single-word adverbs: These are the most common and straightforward. Examples include: *obviously, clearly, certainly, fortunately, unfortunately, honestly, frankly, surprisingly, sadly, happily, hopefully*. These are typically placed at the beginning of the sentence, followed by a comma, or mid-sentence, often near the verb they modify.
Phrasal adverbs: These are multi-word expressions that function as adverbs of attitude. Examples include: *in my opinion, to be honest, as far as I’m concerned, from my perspective, without a doubt, in all honesty*. These phrases often provide a more nuanced or elaborate expression of attitude.
Clausal adverbs: These are less common but can be very effective. They involve an entire clause functioning as an adverb. For example: *What’s more, As I see it*, *If you ask me*. These are generally used to introduce a stronger or more complex opinion.
Positioning: The placement of adverbs of attitude can affect the emphasis of the sentence. Placing the adverb at the beginning often emphasizes the speaker’s overall attitude, while placing it mid-sentence can emphasize its connection to a specific part of the statement. We will discuss this in-depth in the “Advanced Topics” section.
Types and Categories
Adverbs of attitude can be categorized based on the type of opinion or feeling they express. Here are some common categories:
Adverbs of Certainty
These adverbs express a strong belief or conviction about the truth of a statement. They indicate that the speaker is confident in what they are saying.
Examples include: *certainly, definitely, undoubtedly, clearly, obviously, surely, positively, absolutely, indeed, really*.
Adverbs of Doubt
These adverbs express uncertainty or skepticism about a statement. They indicate that the speaker is not entirely convinced or has reservations.
Examples include: *possibly, probably, perhaps, maybe, arguably, conceivably, seemingly, allegedly, reportedly*.
Adverbs of Opinion
These adverbs express a personal viewpoint or belief about a statement. They indicate that the statement is based on the speaker’s subjective assessment.
Examples include: *personally, frankly, honestly, in my opinion, to be honest, as I see it, according to me, from my perspective*.
Adverbs of Agreement
These adverbs express that the speaker is in agreement with what is being said or has already been stated.
Examples include: *indeed, absolutely, exactly, precisely, definitely, certainly, truly, verily, assuredly*
Adverbs of Disagreement
These adverbs express that the speaker is not in agreement with what is being said or has already been stated.
Examples include: *no, never, not, absolutely not, by no means, not at all, disagreeably*
Adverbs of Evaluation
These adverbs express a judgment or assessment about a statement or event. They indicate whether the speaker considers something to be good, bad, surprising, or otherwise noteworthy.
Examples include: *fortunately, unfortunately, surprisingly, sadly, happily, regrettably, remarkably, oddly, strangely, ironically*.
Examples of Adverbs of Attitude
The following tables provide examples of adverbs of attitude used in sentences, categorized by type. Each example illustrates how the adverb modifies the meaning of the sentence and conveys the speaker’s attitude.
Table 1: Adverbs of Certainty
This table showcases examples of adverbs that express certainty, demonstrating how they strengthen the conviction behind a statement.
| Adverb of Certainty | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Certainly | Certainly, I will be there on time. |
| Definitely | She is definitely the best candidate for the job. |
| Undoubtedly | The project was undoubtedly a success. |
| Clearly | He clearly understood the instructions. |
| Obviously | It is obviously raining outside. |
| Surely | Surely, you jest! |
| Positively | I am positively thrilled to hear the news. |
| Absolutely | This is absolutely the right thing to do. |
| Indeed | Indeed, it is a pleasure to meet you. |
| Really | Are you really going to wear that? |
| Assuredly | The sun will assuredly rise tomorrow. |
| Unquestionably | This is unquestionably the best course of action. |
| Truly | She is truly a talented artist. |
| Patently | The claim is patently false. |
| Veritably | The experience was veritably life-changing. |
| Unmistakably | The scent was unmistakably lavender. |
| Unreservedly | I support this plan unreservedly. |
| Conclusively | The evidence conclusively proves his innocence. |
| Indisputably | He is indisputably the leader of the team. |
| Decidedly | The weather is decidedly warmer today. |
Table 2: Adverbs of Doubt
This table provides examples of adverbs that express doubt, showing how they temper the certainty of a statement.
| Adverb of Doubt | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Possibly | It is possibly going to rain later. |
| Probably | He will probably be late. |
| Perhaps | Perhaps we should reconsider our plans. |
| Maybe | Maybe I’ll go to the party. |
| Arguably | He is arguably the greatest player of all time. |
| Conceivably | It is conceivably possible to travel to Mars. |
| Seemingly | The situation is seemingly under control. |
| Allegedly | He is allegedly involved in the scandal. |
| Reportedly | The company is reportedly planning layoffs. |
| Presumably | Presumably, they have already left. |
| Supposedly | The restaurant is supposedly very good. |
| Ostensibly | Ostensibly, he came to help, but I suspect otherwise. |
| Putatively | The new CEO is putatively an expert in finance. |
| Theoretically | Theoretically, this plan should work. |
| Speculatively | Speculatively, the market could crash. |
| Dubiously | She looked at the offer dubiously. |
| Questionably | The evidence is questionably valid. |
| Hesitantly | He hesitantly agreed to the proposal. |
| Tentatively | We are tentatively planning a vacation. |
| Nominally | He is nominally the president of the company. |
Table 3: Adverbs of Opinion
This table illustrates adverbs that express personal opinions, highlighting how they introduce subjective viewpoints.
| Adverb of Opinion | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Personally | Personally, I prefer coffee over tea. |
| Frankly | Frankly, I don’t think it’s a good idea. |
| Honestly | Honestly, I didn’t know about it. |
| In my opinion | In my opinion, the book was overrated. |
| To be honest | To be honest, I’m not very good at math. |
| As I see it | As I see it, we have no other choice. |
| According to me | According to me, the movie was fantastic. |
| From my perspective | From my perspective, this is the best approach. |
| To my mind | To my mind, we should invest in renewable energy. |
| Believe me | Believe me, this is the best option. |
| For me | For me, this is a perfect solution. |
| In my view | In my view, that’s the wrong path to take. |
| If you ask me | If you ask me, he should apologize. |
| My feeling is | My feeling is that something is wrong. |
| As far as I’m concerned | As far as I’m concerned, this is a waste of time. |
| From where I stand | From where I stand, this decision makes sense. |
| To my way of thinking | To my way of thinking, we should be more cautious. |
| Speaking for myself | Speaking for myself, I’m happy with the results. |
| I would say | I would say that this is a good start. |
| The way I see it | The way I see it, we need to be more proactive. |
Table 4: Adverbs of Agreement
This table provides examples of adverbs that shows agreement with the situation or statement.
| Adverb of Agreement | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Indeed | Indeed, that is a very good point. |
| Absolutely | Absolutely, I agree with you. |
| Exactly | Exactly, that’s what I was thinking. |
| Precisely | Precisely, that’s the correct answer. |
| Definitely | Definitely, we should go there. |
| Certainly | Certainly, I will help you. |
| Truly | Truly, you are a great friend. |
| Verily | Verily, this is a great day. |
| Assuredly | Assuredly, we will succeed. |
| Amen | If we can pull together, we can win the championship! Amen! |
| So | It’s a beautiful day, so it is! |
| Agreed | I think we should order pizza. Agreed! |
| Okay | Let’s start the meeting. Okay! |
| Right | This is the right way to go. Right! |
| Undoubtedly | Undoubtedly, that is the best option. |
| Unquestionably | Unquestionably, he is the right person for the job. |
| Granted | Granted, that is a valid point. |
| Granted | Granted, I can see that. |
| Uncontestedly | Uncontestedly, he is the best. |
| Sure | Are you going to the store? Sure! |
Table 5: Adverbs of Disagreement
This table provides examples of adverbs that shows disagreement with the situation or statement.
| Adverb of Disagreement | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| No | No, I don’t think that’s right. |
| Never | Never, I would do that. |
| Not | Not, that’s the way it works. |
| Absolutely not | Absolutely not, I will allow that. |
| By no means | By no means, I agree with you. |
| Not at all | Not at all, I am happy with the results. |
| Disagreeably | He disagreeably answered the question. |
| Nay | He is the best. Nay, he is not. |
| Uh-Uh | Are you going to the party? Uh-Uh. |
| Nope | Am I invited? Nope! |
| Noway | Can you finish the project? Noway! |
| Incorrectly | You are answering the question incorrectly. |
| Inaccurately | You are inaccurately describing the event. |
| Untruly | You are speaking untruly. |
| Negatively | He negatively answered the question. |
| Opposingly | He is acting opposingly. |
| Questioningly | He is questioningly disagreeing. |
| Refusingly | He is refusingly disagreeing. |
| Unwillingly | He is unwillingly disagreeing. |
| Unapprovingly | He is unapprovingly disagreeing. |
Table 6: Adverbs of Evaluation
This table provides examples of adverbs that express an evaluation, showing how they add judgment or assessment to a statement.
| Adverb of Evaluation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Fortunately | Fortunately, we arrived before the storm. |
| Unfortunately | Unfortunately, the event was canceled. |
| Surprisingly | Surprisingly, he passed the exam. |
| Sadly | Sadly, their relationship ended. |
| Happily | Happily, they announced their engagement. |
| Regrettably | Regrettably, I have to decline the invitation. |
| Remarkably | Remarkably, she recovered quickly. |
| Oddly | Oddly, the door was unlocked. |
| Strangely | Strangely, I feel no pain. |
| Ironically | Ironically, he failed the test he wrote. |
| Thankfully | Thankfully, the fire was contained quickly. |
| Worryingly | Worryingly, the stock market is declining. |
| Disappointingly | Disappointingly, the restaurant was closed. |
| Predictably | Predictably, he was late again. |
| Conveniently | Conveniently, the store is nearby. |
| Understandably | Understandably, she was upset by the news. |
| Alarmingly | Alarmingly, the river is rising rapidly. |
| Encouragingly | Encouragingly, the patient is showing signs of recovery. |
| Lamentably | Lamentably, the project was a failure. |
| Mysteriously | Mysteriously, the lights went out. |
Usage Rules
Using adverbs of attitude correctly involves understanding their placement, punctuation, and the nuances of their meaning. Here are some key rules to follow:
- Placement: Adverbs of attitude can typically be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. However, the placement can affect the emphasis. Beginning placement often emphasizes the speaker’s attitude toward the entire statement.
- Punctuation: When an adverb of attitude is placed at the beginning of a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma. This helps to separate the adverb from the main clause and improves readability.
- Meaning: It’s crucial to choose an adverb that accurately reflects the intended attitude. Using an incorrect adverb can change the meaning of the sentence and convey the wrong impression.
- Formal vs. Informal: Some adverbs of attitude are more formal than others. For example, “regrettably” is more formal than “sadly.” Consider the context and audience when choosing an adverb.
- Subjectivity: Remember that adverbs of attitude express subjective opinions or feelings. Avoid using them in situations where objective facts are required.
Common Mistakes
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes with adverbs of attitude. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
- Misplaced commas: Forgetting to use a comma after an adverb of attitude at the beginning of a sentence.
- Incorrect adverb choice: Using an adverb that doesn’t accurately reflect the intended attitude.
- Overuse of adverbs: Using too many adverbs of attitude in a single piece of writing can make it sound overly emotional or biased.
- Confusing adverbs of attitude with adverbs of manner: Mistaking adverbs that describe how an action is performed (manner) with adverbs that express an opinion or feeling about the action (attitude).
Here are some examples of common mistakes and how to correct them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Unfortunately he missed the bus. | Unfortunately, he missed the bus. | A comma is needed after “Unfortunately” when it begins a sentence. |
| He ran surprisingly fast. | Surprisingly, he ran fast. | “Surprisingly” should modify the entire statement, not just “fast.” |
| I honestly think he is a good person, frankly. | Frankly, I think he is a good person. | Avoid using too many adverbs of attitude in one sentence. |
| He spoke sadly. | Sadly, he spoke. | “Sadly” should express the speaker’s feeling, not the manner of speaking (unless it’s implied that he spoke in a sad tone). |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of adverbs of attitude with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Identifying Adverbs of Attitude
Identify the adverbs of attitude in the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Fortunately, the rain stopped before the game. | Fortunately |
| 2. Honestly, I don’t know the answer. | Honestly |
| 3. Clearly, he is not telling the truth. | Clearly |
| 4. Sadly, the store closed down. | Sadly |
| 5. In my opinion, this is the best movie ever made. | In my opinion |
| 6. Undoubtedly, she is a talented musician. | Undoubtedly |
| 7. Perhaps, we should try a different approach. | Perhaps |
| 8. Surprisingly, he agreed to help. | Surprisingly |
| 9. Regrettably, I cannot attend the meeting. | Regrettably |
| 10. Frankly, I’m not interested. | Frankly |
Exercise 2: Using Adverbs of Attitude in Sentences
Complete the following sentences by adding an appropriate adverb of attitude.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. _____, I think we should go home. | Personally, I think we should go home. |
| 2. _____, the team won the championship. | Fortunately, the team won the championship. |
| 3. _____, he is the best candidate for the job. | Undoubtedly, he is the best candidate for the job. |
| 4. _____, I don’t agree with your decision. | Honestly, I don’t agree with your decision. |
| 5. _____, it might rain tomorrow. | Perhaps, it might rain tomorrow. |
| 6. _____, she finished the race in record time. | Surprisingly, she finished the race in record time. |
| 7. _____, he lost his job. | Sadly, he lost his job. |
| 8. _____, this is the right thing to do. | Certainly, this is the right thing to do. |
| 9. _____, I have to decline your offer. | Regrettably, I have to decline your offer. |
| 10. _____, they are planning a vacation. | Reportedly, they are planning a vacation. |
Exercise 3: Correcting Sentences with Misused Adverbs
Identify and correct the misused adverbs of attitude in the following sentences.
| Question | Answer | Corrected Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. He ran fortunately fast. | Fortunately fast | He ran fast. |
| 2. Honestly, I think he is a good person, frankly. | Honestly, frankly | Frankly, I think he is a good person. |
| 3. Surprisingly, he spoke sadly. | Sadly | Sadly, he spoke. |
| 4. He finished undoubtedly the race. | undoubtedly | Undoubtedly, he finished the race. |
| 5. Maybe, I will go probably to the store. | Maybe, probably | Perhaps, I will go to the store. |
| 6. He is clearly probably mistaken. | clearly probably | He is probably mistaken. |
| 7. She regrettably happily accepted the award. | regrettably happily | Happily, she accepted the award. |
| 8. They arrived surprisingly late fortunately. | surprisingly late fortunately | Fortunately, they arrived late. |
| 9. Allegedly, he certainly committed the crime. | Allegedly, certainly | Allegedly, he committed the crime. |
| 10. Frankly, to be honest, I don’t care. | Frankly, to be honest | Frankly, I don’t care. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of using adverbs of attitude.
Adverb Placement and Emphasis
As mentioned earlier, the placement of an adverb of attitude can significantly affect the emphasis of the sentence. Placing it at the beginning typically emphasizes the speaker’s overall attitude towards the entire statement.
Mid-sentence placement can emphasize its connection to a specific part of the statement, and end placement can provide a subtle, almost afterthought-like emphasis.
Consider these examples:
- Fortunately, the weather cleared up. (Emphasis on the overall positive outcome)
- The weather, fortunately, cleared up. (Slight emphasis on the luck involved)
- The weather cleared up, fortunately. (Subtle emphasis, like a relieved afterthought)
Adverbs of Attitude with Modal Verbs
Adverbs of attitude can work effectively with modal verbs (e.g., *can, could, may, might, should, must, will, would*) to express nuanced opinions or judgments. The combination allows for a more precise expression of certainty, doubt, or obligation.
Examples:
- He certainly should apologize. (Strong sense of obligation)
- She probably will be late. (Expressing a likely possibility)
- They definitely can help you. (Expressing confidence in their ability)
Formal vs. Informal Usage
The choice of adverb of attitude can also depend on the formality of the context. Some adverbs are more appropriate for formal writing or speech, while others are better suited for informal communication.
For example, “regrettably” is more formal than “sadly,” and “in my opinion” is more formal than “I think.”
Consider the audience and purpose of your communication when choosing an adverb of attitude. In a formal report, you might use “regrettably,” while in a casual conversation with friends, “sadly” would be more appropriate.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about adverbs of attitude.
- What is the difference between an adverb of attitude and an adverb of manner?
An adverb of manner describes *how* an action is performed (e.g., *quickly, slowly*), while an adverb of attitude expresses the speaker’s opinion or feeling *about* the action or statement (e.g., *fortunately, honestly*). Adverbs of attitude modify the entire sentence, while adverbs of manner typically modify the verb.
- Where can I place an adverb of attitude in a sentence?
Adverbs of attitude can typically be
placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. The placement affects the emphasis, with the beginning position emphasizing the speaker’s overall attitude.
- Are adverbs of attitude always single words?
No, adverbs of attitude can be single words (e.g., *certainly*), phrases (e.g., *in my opinion*), or even clauses (e.g., *as I see it*).
- How do I choose the right adverb of attitude?
Consider the specific opinion, feeling, or judgment you want to express. Choose an adverb that accurately reflects your intended attitude and is appropriate for the context and audience.
- Can I overuse adverbs of attitude?
Yes, using too many adverbs of attitude can make your writing sound overly emotional or biased. Use them sparingly and purposefully to enhance your communication.
Conclusion
Adverbs of attitude are powerful tools for expressing your opinions, feelings, and judgments in English. By understanding their structure, types, usage rules, and common pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate them into your speech and writing.
Practice identifying and using adverbs of attitude to enhance your communication skills and convey your perspective with clarity and precision. Continue to explore the nuances of these adverbs, and you’ll find that they add depth and richness to your language.