Types of Adverb in English

Adverbs provide information about how, when or where something is done. It's easy to understand what adverbs do by looking at the word adverb: Adverbs add something to the verb! Let's take a look at a few examples:
Jack often visits his grandmother in Chicago. -> The adverb 'often' tells us how often Jack visits his grandmother in Chicago.
Alice plays golf very well. -> The adverb 'well' tells us how Alice plays golf. It tells us the quality of how she plays.
However, they must remember to clean up before they leave. -> The adverb 'however' connects the sentence to the independent clause or sentence that comes before it.
You may have noticed that the adverb placement is different in each of the three sentences. Adverb placement in English can be confusing at times. Generally, adverb placement is taught when focusing on specific types of adverbs. Adverb placement for adverbs of frequency comes directly before the main verb. Therefore, they come in the middle of the sentence. This is referred to as 'mid-position' adverb placement. Here is a general guide to adverb placement in English.

Adverb Placement - Initial Position
Adverb placement at the beginning of a clause or a sentence is referred to as 'initial position'.

Connecting Adverbs
Initial position adverb placement is used when using a connecting adverb to join a statement to the preceding clause or sentence. It's important to remember that these connecting adverbs take adverb placement at the beginning of a phrase in order to connect it to the phrase that has come before. Commas are often used after the use of a connecting adverb. There are a number of these connecting adverbs, here are some of the most common:
However,
Consequently,
Then,
Next,
Still,
Examples:
Life is hard. However, life can be fun.
The market is very difficult these days. Consequently, we need to focus on what works best for our customers.
My friend Mark doesn't enjoy school. Still, he's working hard at getting good grades

Time Adverbs
Time adverbs are also used at the beginning of phrases to indicate when something should happen. It's important to note that time adverbs are used in in a number of adverb placements. Time adverbs are the most flexible of all adverbs in their adverb placement.
Examples:
Tomorrow Peter is going to visit his mother in Chicago.
Sundays I like playing golf with my friends.
Sometimes Jennifer enjoys a relaxing day at the beach.

Adverb Placement - Middle Position

Focusing Adverbs
Adverb placement of focusing adverbs generally takes place in the middle of a sentence, or in the 'mid-position'. Focusing adverbs put the emphasis on one part of the clause in order to modify, qualify or add additional information. Adverbs of frequency (sometimes, usually, never, etc.), adverbs of certainty (probably, certainly, etc.) and comment adverbs (adverbs expressing an opinion such as 'intelligently, expertly, etc.') can all be used as focusing adverbs.
Examples:
She often forgets to take her umbrella to work.
Sam stupidly left his computer at home instead of taking it with him to the conference.
I'll certainly buy a copy of his book.
NOTE: Remember that adverbs of frequency are always placed before the main verb, rather than the auxiliary verb. (I don't often go to San Francisco. NOT I often don't go to San Francisco.)

Adverb Placement - End Position
Adverb placement is usually at the end of a sentence or phrase. While it's true that adverb placement can happen in the initial or mid-position, it's also true that adverbs generally are placed at the end of a sentence or phrase. Here are the three most common types of adverbs placed at the end of a sentence or phrase.

Adverbs of Manner
Adverb placement of adverbs of manner usually occurs at the end of a sentence or clause. Adverbs of manner tell us 'how' something is done.
Examples:
Susan hasn't done this report accurately.
Sheila plays piano thoughtfully.
Tim does his math homework carefully.

Adverbs of Place
Adverb placement of adverbs of place usually occurs at the end of a sentence or clause. Adverbs of place tell us 'where' something is done.
Examples:
Barbara is cooking pasta downstairs.
I'm working in the garden outside.
They will investigate the crime downtown.

Adverbs of Time
Adverb placement of adverbs of time usually occurs at the end of a sentence or clause. Adverbs of manner tell us 'when' something is done.
Examples:
Angie likes relaxing at home on weekends.
Our meeting takes place at three o'clock.
Frank is having a checkup tomorrow afternoon. 

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Adverb (grammar exercise)

Use the following adverbs to fill in the gaps in the sentences. Each adverb is used once.

• always
• often
• never
• certainly
  eventually
• fluently
• yet
• hard
• carefully
•  just
• occasionally
• probably
• completely
• unfortunately
• definitely
• ever
• also
• quickly

Have you _____ wanted to learn a new language? My friend Tom has _____ wanted to learn Russian. _____, he _____ had the time until last year. He had _____ finished his studies at university and decided that he should _____ begin. He _____ wanted to do something _____ different. He knew he wouldn't be able to speak _____. However, he thought that if he worked _____, he would _____ be able to at least converse in Russian. He worked very _____ and only _____ missed a class. He _____ rented films in Russian to watch, and was surprised at how _____ he began to understand the basic meaning of the conversations. _____, he could even listen to pop songs in Russian and understand the texts. He hasn't been to Russia _____, but he will _____ go soon.

Financial Terminology (vocabulary exercise)

Fill in the blank with the correct answer!

1. It's an excellent university, but the _____ are rather high.
   • fares
   • fees
   • price
2. I made my _____ buying and selling stocks.
   • fortune
   • treasure
   • wealthy
3. I bought this coat on sale. It was _____ $50.
   • on sale
   • decreased
   • reduced
4. There's a small studio to _____ in James Street.
   • lent
   • hire
   • lease
5. I haven't got enough money for lunch. Could you _____ me some?
   • borrow
   • let
   • lend
6. How much does she _____ in her position?
   • gain
   • earn
   • pay
7. That house is too expensive. We can't _____ it.
   • allow
   • afford
   • pay
8. He's an excellent doctor, but he doesn't _____ too much.
   • charge
   • fee
   • spend
9. It was a very good dinner. Can we have the _____ please?
   • receipt
   • bill
   • note
10. Mary never carries cash with her and pays for everything by _____.
    • receipt
    • tip
    • credit-card
11. The old couple had only a small ___ to live on.
    • wage
    • wealth
    • pension
12. Fred didn't like the waitperson so he didn't leave a _____.
    • receipt
    • tip
    • loan
13. They wouldn't have been able to buy their camper without a bank ____.
    • borrow
    • lend
    • loan
14. The store won't change any merchandise without the original _____.
    • receipt
    • credit-card
    • recipe
15. The dime is such a small _____ that everyone dislikes it.
    • tip
    • coin
    • note
16. The apartment is not in very good condition so the _____ is low.
    • rent
    • lease
    • hire
17. The cd-player has a twelve month _____.
    • warrant
    • warranty
    • receipt
18. He keeps all his money and valuables in a _____ behind this painting.
    • tip
    • box
    • safe
19. My friend Tom made his considerable _____ selling cars.
    • wealthy
    • wealth
    • money
20. I've just bought a new _____ policy.
    • insure
    • insurance
    • uninsured
21. Jane saves as much money as she can and tries to never spend a dime. She is a ______.
    • retired
    • miser
    • heir
22. My friend just inherited a lot of money and property. He is ______ to a great deal of wealth.
    • miser
    • inherit
    • heir
23. Jack just became the boss at the bank. He is the bank's ______.
    • advisor
    • manager
    • client
24. My father is past 65, he is now a ______ man.
    • retired
    • pension
    • swindler
25. Someone who keeps or checks financial records for a company is a(n) _____.
    • manager
    • accountant
    • swindler
26. I love to go shopping often. Most shops consider me a great _____.
    • manager
    • customer
    • heir
27. If I need money from the bank, I go to a _____ to make a withdrawal.
    • teller
    • lawyer
    • cashier
28. If you have any problems with your insurance policy you should see your _____.
    • agent
    • teller
    • manager
29. People who like to buy and sell stocks are called _____.
    • swindler
    • investors
    • heir
30. Unfortunately, I bought a piece of worthless junk from a _____ who told me it was a masterpiece.
    • swindler
    • manager
    • miser

Irish History (reading exercise)

Irish History

A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched __1___ several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in __2___ from the UK for the 26 southern __3___ the six northern counties (Ulster) remained part ___4___ Great Britain. In 1948 Ireland __5___ from the British Commonwealth; it __6___ the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have ___7___ the peaceful unification of Ireland and have ___8___ with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, approved in 1998, is __9___ being implemented.

1. • to
   • off
   • at
   • of
2. • freedom
   • independence
   • independent
   • freeing
3. • counties
   • countries
   • cities
   • areas
4. • of
   • at
   • to
   • in
5. • opted out
   • went
   • withdrew
   • left
6. • signed
   • left for
   • signed on
   • joined
7. • sought
   • observed
   • looked
   • seeked
8. • talked
   • fought
   • cooperated
   • helped
9. • already
   • currently
   • yet
   • still
    

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Daily Expression (speaking exercise)

following page.
pass away
postpone
put off
put up with
flattered
taxes
fee
installments
faint
lame excuse
never mind
ring a bell
shake
strike
no kidding
hate [something] with a passion
no wonder

1. Sally called me to ask whether I wanted to spend the weekend at a spiritual retreat with her. I'm not into such things, so I told her I couldn't go because I had already planned to visit my great-grandmother at her nursing home during the weekend. After I hung up, I thought to myself: "what a _____! But it was the first thing I thought of, because Sally caught me by surprise with this invitation!"
2. Carla, have you heard of Herbert von Karajan?
   Carla says: Bianca, this name _____, but I actually don't remember who he is.
   Bianca replies: He's a famous Austrian orchestra conductor.
3. John, you are the best cook I've ever known. The dinner you've prepared is awesome!
   John says: Oh, thanks! I'm _____. Your compliments are very generous!
4. Jennifer loves humanities and arts, but the only job she could find was at a bank, where she deals with numbers all day, at an isolated cubicle. She _____ her job _____!
5. I was having dinner at Lucy's yesterday when she asked me if I had brought her the CD I had promised to lend her.
   I said: Oh, no. I forgot it on top of my desk, at the office!
   Lucy replied: _____! You can bring it tomorrow.
6. When someone _____, it's polite to extend your sympathies to the grieving family.
7. My homework is due tomorrow-Friday. I've been promising myself that I would start working on it since last Monday, but I _____ it _____ and now I'll have to work all night to have it finished by tomorrow.
8. I'll never forget my visit to Sea World! It was such a hot day, that I almost _____ because of the extreme heat!
9. Brazilian people usually pay everything in _____ because most cannot afford to pay cash.
10. Some people in the Denver office branch were talking about how violent some South American cities were becoming. Since I live in Rio de Janeiro, I told them "_____!"
11. It is revolting to pay such high _____ and have nothing provided by the government in return!
12. Most colleges and universities charge a non-refundable application _____.
13. Dissatisfied employees go on _____ to demand higher wages.
14. One thing I can't _____ is disrespect.
15. When I asked him if he had done well on the test, he _____ his head and didn't say a word. I understood he was disappointed about it.

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First Name, Last Name or Title?

Talking TO People
There are different ways to talk to people depending on your relationship and the situation. Here are the basics of using first name, titles, and other forms in spoken English.
First Name Only
Use the first name in informal and friendly situations. Use first name with your friends, co-workers, acquaintances and fellow students.
Hi, Tom. Do you want to go to a film tonight? - Man to his friend
Excuse me, Mary. What did you think of that presentation yesterday? - Woman to a co-worker in the office
Do you know the answer to number seven, Jack? - Student to another student

If you are speaking with co-workers in the office about work, use a first name. However, if you are speaking to a supervisor or someone you manage, you may have to use a title and last name in more formal situations. The use of first name or title depends on the atmosphere in the office. Traditional businesses (banks, insurance companies, etc.) tend to be more formal. Young companies, such as internet companies, are often very informal.
Ms. Smith, could you come to the meeting this afternoon? - Supervisor speaking to a subordinate at work
Here is the report you asked for Mr. James. - Man to his supervisor

Title and Last Name
Use the title (Mr, Mrs, Ms, etc.) and last name in formal situations such as meetings, public speaking, or when speaking to superiors at work or school. Remember that some work places prefer an informal tone between management and staff. It's best to begin using a title and last name (Hello, Ms Anders!) and change if your supervisors ask you to use a first name basis.
Good morning Ms Johnson. Did you have a good weekend? - Student to her teacher
Mr Johnson, I'd like to introduce you to Jack West from Chicago. - Employee introducing a colleague to his supervisor
Talking ABOUT People
Speaking about other people also depends on the situation. Generally, in informal situations use first names. In more formal situations, use the title and last names. In addition to these choices, there are a few other possibilities.
First Name Only
Used in informal situations with friends and co-workers.
Have you heard that Mary is moving to Los Angeles? - Boy speaking to his friend
Peter's getting a promotion next month. - Woman speaking to a co-worker

Last Name Only
When speaking about public figures such as actors and politicians, it is also quite common to use just the last name.
Bush is finally leaving soon! - One man to another
Nadal is a monster on the court. - A tennis player speaking to his doubles partner

Sometimes, supervisors might use just the last name when speaking to a co-worker. Generally, this means the supervisor is not too happy.
Jones hasn't completed the report on time. - Boss complaining to another manager
Ask Anderson to come into the office as soon as he gets in. - Supervisor speaking to a co-worker

First and Last Name
Use both the first and last name in informal and formal situations in order to be more specific in identifying a person.
Frank Olaf was promoted to department head last week. - One co-worker to another
Isn't that Susan Hart over there? - One friend to another

Title and Last Name
Use the title and last name in more formal situations. Use this form when showing respect and / or being polite.
I think Ms Wright assigned some homework. - One student to a teacher
I think Mr Adams is the best candidate.


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Descriptive writing : introduction to a city (writing exercise)

Exercise

• Choose a city you would like to describe.
• Find a research page for reference purposes. You can use sites like Wikipedia, magazines, or other resources.
• Choose three or four broad topics you would like to discuss.
• For each topic, write down a list of specific facts using your reference materials. For example: Weather
  more than 80 inches of snow on average extremely hot summers etc.
  
• Take each fact and write a sentence about that fact. For example: Boulder receives more than 80 inches of snow on average each winter.
  
• Combine your sentences into a paragraph on each broad topic. Make sure to use linking language, pronouns, etc. to link the ideas in your sentences into a logical sequence.
• If you are using a computer, make sure to spell check your work.

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