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Learning outcomes

  • distinguish comment, viewpoint, and focus adverbs
  • use sentence adverbs in formal writing
  • interpret tone changes caused by adverbs

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Comment adverbs

  • Express speaker attitude/judgment.
Examples:
  • fortunately, unfortunately, obviously, clearly, surprisingly
  • “Fortunately, the train was on time.”

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Viewpoint adverbs

  • Signal perspective/domain.
Examples:
  • politically, financially, technically, theoretically, personally
  • “Technically, the design is correct.”
  • “Personally, I disagree.”

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Focus adverbs

  • Highlight or restrict part of sentence.
Examples:
  • only, even, also, mainly, especially, just
  • “Only Riya solved the problem.” (focus on subject)
  • “Riya solved only the first problem.” (focus on object part)

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Exam hints and traps

  • Position of only changes meaning significantly.
  • Comment adverbs often take comma in sentence-initial position.
  • Do not confuse viewpoint adverb with manner adverb.

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Quick practice

  1. Identify type: “Frankly, this answer is weak.”
  2. Identify type: “Financially, the project is risky.”
  3. Identify type: “Only he called me.”
  4. Explain meaning difference:
    • “Only she passed.”
    • “She passed only.”
Answer key:
  1. Comment adverb
  2. Viewpoint adverb
  3. Focus adverb
  4. First focuses subject; second is awkward/elliptical in normal formal style.