Focus 14 comment adverbs, viewpoint adverbs, focus adverbs

Comment adverbs

Some comment adverbs

0. i

   63

   ndicate how likely we think something is: apparently, certainly, clearly, definitely, probably

1. indicate our attitude to or opinion of what is said: frankly, generally, honestly, luckily, naturally, personally, unbelievably

2. show our judgement of someone’s actions: bravely, carelessly, foolishly, kindly, rightly, stupidly, wrongly.

Most common adverbs can occur at the front, middle or end of a sentence.

Viewpoint adverbs

We use viewpoint adverbs to make it clear from what point of view we are speaking.

Financially, the accident has been a disaster for the owners of the tunnel.

Other examples include: biologically, chemically, environmentally, ideologically, logically, morally, politically, visually.

Focus adverbs: even, only, alone

Even and only usually go in mid positions, but if they refer to the subject they come before it.

My mother has only brought some food.

Only my mother has brought some food.

Even Sue can speak French.

Sue can even speak French.

When we use alone to mean only it comes after a noun.

It isn’t possible to become a great artist by hard work alone.

EXERCISES

Ex.1 Replace the underlined part of each sentence by a comment adverb:

Apparently, frankly, generally, in theory, luckily, naturally, personally, sadly, typically, unbearably.

1

64

. It is regrettable that we can’t offer you a place in the house.2. As might be expected, I did what I could to make them feel at home.3. I’ve heard, but I’m not sure it’s true that this building is going to be pulled down.4. It is extremely surprising, but I won a first prize.5. To say what I really think, I don’t know what I’d have done without him.6. In most circumstances, an overdose of this size is fatal.7. In my opinion, I think TV is to blame for the decline in reading standards among children.8. It is fortunate that John didn’t hurt himself when he fell off his motorbike.9. On average it takes three days for a letter to get to Australia.10. It is supposed to be true that

you can park anywhere, but in practice there are rarely any spaces left by 9 o’clock.

Ex.2 Choose an appropriate viewpoint adverb from a) and a sentence ending from b) to complete the sentences from c)

a) economically, mechanically, traditionally, globally, statistically.

b) … it has been produced in Scotland.

… it has without doubt caused climatic warming.

… it seemed to be in good condition.

… it is highly unlikely.

… it needs the support of its larger neighbours

c)1. Although there was a lot of rust on the body of the car … .2. Although we don’t notice the effects of industrial pollution at a local level, … .3. Although whisky is now made in countries such as Japan and New Zealand, … .4. Although the country has had political independence for over a century, … .5. Although it is possible to contract malaria in England, … .

Ex.3 Put even, only or alone.

When he died, … his political enemies … agreed that he was a good man.2. I didn’t expect her to do anything, but when I came down … Ella had tidied up and … made tea.3. 30 000 cases of measles were reported during … September … .4. He asked for lots of volunteers, but … Alice … put up her hand.5. … my brother … enjoyed the film, and he doesn’t really like westerns.6. It is often said that … money … can’t bring you happiness.7. … the machine could … analyse its chemical courtiluents – it couldn’t say if the rock was valuable.8. … the tickets … would be more than I could afford. I certainly couldn’t pay the hotel bills, too.

65