Most Common English Adverbs: 219 by Frequency, with Pronunciation

RankWord Definition PronunciationPart of speech LevelExample

0022 not reversing what follows /ˈnɑt/ adverb A1 I do not agree.

0037 there in that place /ˈðɛɹ/ adverb A1 There is a problem.

0042 so to that degree; therefore /ˈsoʊ/ adverb, conjunction A1 It was so cold last night.

0052 up toward a higher place /ˈʌp/ adverb, preposition A1 He stood up slowly.

0053 out away from the inside /ˈaʊt/ adverb A1 She went out an hour ago.

0063 just only; or a moment ago /ˈdʒʌst/ adverb A1 He has just arrived.

0066 now at the present moment /ˈnaʊ/ adverb A1 We must go now.

0068 also in addition /ˈɔlsoʊ/ adverb A1 She also speaks French.

0074 only and nothing else /ˈoʊnli/ adverb, adjective A1 Only one seat was free.

0076 wellwells in a good way /ˈwɛl/ adverb A1 She sings very well.

0079 where in which place /ˈwɛɹ/ adverb, conjunction A1 Where do you live?

0080 then at that time; next /ˈðɛn/ adverb A1 We had lunch, then we left.

0083 how in what way /ˈhaʊ/ adverb A1 How are you today?

0090 backbacked toward the rear; or the rear of the body /ˈbæk/ adverb, noun A1 He came back late.

0096 very to a high degree /ˈvɛɹi/ adverb A1 It is very hot today.

0100 even surprisingly including /ˈivɪn/ adverb A1 Even the children helped.

0114 down toward a lower place /ˈdaʊn/ adverb, preposition A1 Sit down, please.

0117 still up to now; or without moving /ˈstɪl/ adverb A1 She is still waiting.

0119 here in this place /ˈhiɹ/ adverb A1 Come here a moment.

0130 off away, or no longer attached /ˈɔf/ adverb, preposition A1 Turn the light off.

0139 never at no time /ˈnɛvɚ/ adverb A1 She never eats meat.

0145 too more than is wanted; as well /ˈtu/ adverb A1 This coffee is too hot.

0166 again one more time /əˈɡɛn/ adverb A1 Say that again, please.

0168 why for what reason /ˈwaɪ/ adverb A1 Why are you laughing?

0170 later at a time after this /ˈleɪtɚ/ adverb A1 I will call you later.

0182 always at all times /ˈɔlˌweɪz/ adverb A1 He is always early.

0183 really truly, or very /ˈɹɪli/ adverb A1 It was really cold.

0187 away to or at a distance /əˈweɪ/ adverb A1 She moved away last year.

0201 however nevertheless; in whatever way /ˌhaʊˈɛvɚ/ adverb B1 It rained; however, we went out.

0209 today on this day /təˈdeɪ/ adverb, noun A1 Today is my birthday.

0211 once on one occasion; formerly /ˈwʌns/ adverb A2 I met her once, years ago.

0217 together with each other /təˈɡɛðɚ/ adverb A1 We travelled together.

0240 ever at any time /ˈɛvɚ/ adverb A2 Have you ever been to Greece?

0244 already by this time, sooner than expected /ɔlˈɹɛdi/ adverb A1 They have already left.

0266 often many times /ˈɔfən/ adverb A1 We often eat outside.

0271 yet up to now; nevertheless /ˈjɛt/ adverb A2 She has not arrived yet.

0276 far a long distance off /ˈfɑɹ/ adverb A1 Is the station far?

0286 according as stated by /əˈkɔɹdɪŋ/ adverb B1 According to the map, we turn left.

0293 least the smallest amount /ˈlist/ adverb A2 It costs at least twenty euros.

0309 almost very nearly /ˈɔlˌmoʊst/ adverb A1 It is almost eight o'clock.

0337 actually in reality /ˈækˌtʃuəli/ adverb A2 It is actually quite simple.

0345 soonsooner in a short while /ˈsun/ adverb A1 We will be home soon.

0371 outside beyond the walls or limits /ˈaʊtˈsaɪd/ adverb, preposition A1 The children are playing outside.

0386 further to a greater distance or extent /ˈfɝðɚ/ adverb, adjective B1 The village is further up the hill.

0388 sometimes now and then, but not always /səmˈtaɪmz/ adverb A1 Sometimes I walk to work.

0394 rather somewhat; in preference /ˈɹæðɚ/ adverb B1 It is rather cold today.

0424 instead in place of the other /ˌɪnˈstɛd/ adverb A2 Take the bus instead.

0425 finally at last /ˈfaɪnəli/ adverb A2 The bus finally arrived.

0435 probably most likely /ˈpɹɑbəˌbli/ adverb A2 She is probably at work.

0460 especially more than in other cases /əˈspɛʃli/ adverb B1 It is cold, especially at night.

0475 ago in the past, counting back from now /əˈɡoʊ/ adverb A1 We moved here two years ago.

0479 quite fairly, or completely /ˈkwaɪt/ adverb A2 The room is quite small.

0526 else besides, or instead /ˈɛls/ adverb A1 Would you like anything else?

0529 usually on most occasions /ˈjuʒəwəli/ adverb A1 I usually walk to work.

0589 forward toward the front /ˈfɔɹwɚd/ adverb B1 Move forward a little.

0614 quickly at speed /ˈkwɪkli/ adverb A1 She walked quickly away.

0653 perhaps possibly, though not certainly /pɚˈhæps/ adverb A2 Perhaps she missed the train.

0666 exactly precisely, with no difference /ɪɡˈzæktli/ adverb A2 That is exactly what I meant.

0682 please used to make a polite request /ˈpliz/ adverb A1 Please sit down.

0687 nearly almost /ˈnɪɹli/ adverb A2 It is nearly midnight.

0711 ahead in front, or further on /əˈhɛd/ adverb B1 The road ahead was closed.

0743 completely entirely /kəmˈplitli/ adverb B1 The road was completely blocked.

0768 maybe it could be so /ˈmeɪbi/ adverb A1 Maybe she is still asleep.

0774 recently not long ago /ˈɹisəntli/ adverb B1 She moved here recently.

0780 simply in a plain way; merely /ˈsɪmpli/ adverb B1 It is simply too expensive.

0809 immediately at once /ˌɪˈmiˌdiətli/ adverb B1 Call me immediately.

0851 eventually in the end /ɪˈvɛntʃəwəli/ adverb B1 Eventually the rain stopped.

0874 pretty fairly; or pleasant to look at /ˈpɹɪti/ adverb, adjective A2 The garden is pretty.

0946 directly in a straight line; without anything between /dɚˈɛktli/ adverb B1 Call the office directly.

0987 particularly more than usually /ˌpɑɹˈtɪkjəlɚli/ adverb B1 It was particularly cold.

1002 therefore for that reason; as a result /ˈðɛɹˌfɔɹ/ adverb B1 It was late, therefore we took a taxi.

1031 currently at the present time /ˈkɝəntli/ adverb B1 She is currently living in Rome.

1045 previously at an earlier time /ˈpɹiviəsli/ adverb B1 She previously worked in a bank.

1097 certainly without any doubt /ˈsɝtənli/ adverb A2 I will certainly be there.

1108 thus as a result; in this way /ˈðʌs/ adverb C1 He was ill and thus unable to come.

1158 mostly mainly; for the greater part /ˈmoʊstli/ adverb B1 The guests were mostly students.

1162 easily without difficulty /ˈizəli/ adverb A2 She won the race easily.

1202 highly very much; to a great degree /ˈhaɪli/ adverb B2 She is a highly skilled nurse.

1215 otherwise if not; or in a different way /ˈʌðɚˌwaɪz/ adverb B2 Hurry, otherwise we will be late.

1222 fully completely, in every way /ˈfʊli/ adverb B2 The hotel is fully booked.

1273 twice two times /ˈtwaɪs/ adverb A2 I have been there twice.

1279 clearly in a way that is easy to see or hear /ˈklɪɹli/ adverb B1 Please speak clearly.

1311 indeed truly; used to stress something /ˌɪnˈdid/ adverb B2 It was indeed a great day.

1319 apart separated by a distance /əˈpɑɹt/ adverb B2 The two towns are ten miles apart.

1335 approximately close to an exact number; about /əˈpɹɑksəmətli/ adverb B1 The trip takes approximately two hours.

1336 extremely to the greatest possible degree /ɛkˈstɹimli/ adverb B1 It is extremely cold today.

1407 generally usually; in most cases /ˈdʒɛnɚəli/ adverb B1 I generally get up at seven.

1431 possibly perhaps; maybe /ˈpɑsəbli/ adverb B1 It is possibly the best film of the year.

1486 absolutely totally; used to agree strongly /ˌæbsəˈlutli/ adverb B1 You are absolutely right.

1517 seriously badly; or in a way that is not joking /ˈsɪɹiəsli/ adverb B1 He was seriously injured in the crash.

1623 apparently according to what you have heard /əˈpɛɹəntli/ adverb B1 Apparently, the shop is closed today.

1637 tomorrow on the day after today /təˈmɑˌɹoʊ/ adverb, noun A1 See you tomorrow morning.

1646 truly really and sincerely /ˈtɹuli/ adverb B2 I am truly sorry.

1652 anywhere in or to any place at all /ˈɛniˌwɛɹ/ adverb A2 You can sit anywhere you like.

1708 entirely completely, in every way /ɪnˈtaɪɚli/ adverb B2 I entirely agree with you.

1714 tonight this evening or this night /təˈnaɪt/ adverb, noun A1 What are you doing tonight?

1751 obviously in a way that is clear to everyone /ˈɑbviəsli/ adverb B1 Obviously, we cannot go out in this rain.

1771 totally completely, absolutely /ˈtoʊtəli/ adverb B1 I totally agree with you.

1797 slightly a little; not much /ˈslaɪtli/ adverb B1 I feel slightly better today.

1801 forever for all time /fɚˈɛvɚ/ adverb B1 I will love you forever.

1816 originally at first, before any changes /ɚˈɪdʒənəli/ adverb B2 He is originally from Spain.

1820 definitely certainly, without any doubt /ˈdɛfənətli/ adverb B1 I will definitely be there.

1847 anyway despite that; in any case /ˈɛniˌweɪ/ adverb A2 It was raining, but we went anyway.

1875 suddenly quickly and without warning /ˈsʌdənli/ adverb A2 Suddenly the lights went out.

1899 slowly at a low speed /ˈsloʊli/ adverb A1 Please speak slowly and clearly.

1914 somewhere in or to a place not named /ˈsʌmˌwɛɹ/ adverb A2 I left my keys somewhere.

1924 heavily a lot, or with great force /ˈhɛvəli/ adverb B2 It rained heavily all night.

1931 shortly soon; in a little while /ˈʃɔɹtli/ adverb B2 The train will arrive shortly.

1936 unfortunately sadly; used when giving bad news /ənˈfɔɹtʃənətli/ adverb A2 Unfortunately, the shop was closed.

1946 officially in a formal way approved by those in charge /əˈfɪʃəli/ adverb B2 The bridge was officially opened today.

1984 normally usually; in the ordinary way /ˈnɔɹməli/ adverb B1 I normally get up at seven.

2048 ultimately in the end, after everything /ˈʌltəmətli/ adverb B2 Ultimately, the choice is yours.

2057 typically usually, in most cases /ˈtɪpɪkli/ adverb B2 The trip typically takes two hours.

2063 specifically for one particular purpose and no other /spəˈsɪfɪkli/ adverb B2 The course is specifically for beginners.

2173 downtown to or in the main business area of a city /ˈdaʊnˈtaʊn/ adverb, noun B1 We drove downtown for dinner.

2200 deeply very much, to a great degree /ˈdipli/ adverb B2 I am deeply sorry.

2201 properly in the correct way /ˈpɹɑpɚli/ adverb B1 Make sure the door is closed properly.

2211 aside to one side, out of the way /əˈsaɪd/ adverb B2 She put her book aside.

2222 anymore any longer, now /ˌɛniˈmɔɹ/ adverb B1 She does not live here anymore.

2244 closely with great care and attention /ˈkloʊsli/ adverb B2 Watch the teacher closely.

2277 relatively fairly, when compared with others /ˈɹɛlətɪvli/ adverb B2 The test was relatively easy.

2283 everywhere in or to all places /ˈɛvɹiˌwɛɹ/ adverb A2 I looked everywhere for my keys.

2294 personally speaking for yourself, in your own opinion /ˈpɝsənəli/ adverb B1 Personally, I prefer tea.

2322 literally exactly, or used to stress that something is true /ˈlɪtɚəli/ adverb B2 There were literally thousands of people.

2352 initially at the start, at first /ˌɪˈnɪʃəli/ adverb B2 Initially, I did not like him.

2375 mainly mostly, more than anything else /ˈmeɪnli/ adverb B1 The workers are mainly young.

2408 yesterday on the day before today /ˈjɛstɚˌdeɪ/ adverb A1 I saw her yesterday.

2444 perfectly in a way that could not be better /ˈpɝfəktli/ adverb B1 The dress fits perfectly.

2474 naturally as you would expect, of course /ˈnætʃɚəli/ adverb B1 Naturally, I was very pleased.

2537 somewhat to a certain degree; a little /ˈsʌmˈwʌt/ adverb B2 The film was somewhat boring.

2560 basically in the most important respects; simply put /ˈbeɪsɪkli/ adverb B1 Basically, we need more money.

2562 necessarily in every case; as an unavoidable result /ˌnɛsəˈsɛɹəli/ adverb B1 Expensive is not necessarily better.

2589 carefully with great attention, to avoid mistakes or harm /ˈkɛɹfəli/ adverb A2 Drive carefully in the rain.

2590 largely mostly; to a great extent /ˈlɑɹdʒli/ adverb B2 The project was largely successful.

2610 elsewhere in or to some other place /ˈɛlˌswɛɹ/ adverb B1 Let us eat elsewhere tonight.

2687 frequently often; many times /ˈfɹikwəntli/ adverb B1 He frequently travels for work.

2716 increasingly more and more as time passes /ɪnˈkɹisɪŋli/ adverb B2 It is getting increasingly cold.

2806 merely only; nothing more than /ˈmɪɹli/ adverb B2 It was merely a mistake.

2819 strongly in a forceful or very sure way /ˈstɹɔŋli/ adverb B1 I strongly agree with you.

2833 hardly almost not at all /ˈhɑɹdli/ adverb B1 I can hardly hear you.

2839 barely only just; by the smallest amount /ˈbɛɹli/ adverb B2 I could barely see the road.

2841 fairly quite; or in a just and honest way /ˈfɛɹli/ adverb B1 The test was fairly easy.

2844 regardless without being affected by something /ɹəˈɡɑɹdləs/ adverb B2 He carried on regardless.

2875 constantly all the time; again and again /ˈkɑnstəntli/ adverb B2 He is constantly late.

2896 rarely not often; hardly ever /ˈɹɛɹli/ adverb B1 He rarely goes out.

2898 roughly approximately; not exactly /ˈɹʌfli/ adverb B2 There were roughly fifty people.

2901 rapidly very quickly; at great speed /ˈɹæpədli/ adverb B2 Prices rose rapidly last year.

2923 somehow in a way that is not known or clear /ˈsʌmˌhaʊ/ adverb B1 We will finish it somehow.

2924 widely by a lot of people or over a large area /ˈwaɪdli/ adverb B2 English is widely spoken.

2932 forth forward or onward /ˈfɔɹθ/ adverb C1 He paced back and forth.

2976 abroad in or to a foreign country /əˈbɹɔd/ adverb A2 She has lived abroad for years.

3004 regularly often, at even intervals /ˈɹɛɡjəlɚli/ adverb B1 She visits her parents regularly.

3012 potentially possibly, though not yet so /pəˈtɛnʃəli/ adverb B2 This is potentially dangerous.

3028 successfully in a way that achieves the aim /səkˈsɛsfəli/ adverb B1 The test was completed successfully.

3046 essentially in its most basic nature /ɛˈsɛnʃəli/ adverb B2 The two plans are essentially the same.

3050 pm after midday, when giving a time /ˈpiˈɛm/ adverb A2 The shop closes at 6 pm.

3070 primarily mainly, above all /pɹaɪˈmɛɹəli/ adverb B2 The course is primarily for beginners.

3074 effectively in a way that works well /ɪˈfɛktɪvli/ adverb B2 She manages the team effectively.

3109 afterwards later, at a following time /ˈæftɚwɚdz/ adverb B1 We had dinner and went home afterwards.

3157 greatly very much /ˈɡɹeɪtli/ adverb B2 Prices have greatly increased.

3161 hence for this reason /ˈhɛns/ adverb C1 The road was closed, hence the delay.

3196 badly poorly; or seriously /ˈbædli/ adverb A2 He was badly injured.

3220 significantly by a large or important amount /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/ adverb B2 Prices rose significantly.

3229 newly recently, not long ago /ˈnuli/ adverb B2 They are a newly married couple.

3259 physically in relation to the body /ˈfɪzɪkəli/ adverb B2 He is physically strong.

3268 nevertheless in spite of that /ˌnɛvɚðəˈlɛs/ adverb B2 It was raining; nevertheless, we went out.

3276 nowhere not in or to any place /ˈnoʊˌwɛɹ/ adverb B1 There was nowhere to sit.

3285 equally in the same amount or way /ˈikwəli/ adverb B1 Divide the cake equally.

3325 occasionally sometimes but not often /əˈkeɪʒənəli/ adverb B1 We occasionally eat out.

3396 surely used to show you think something must be true /ˈʃʊɹli/ adverb B1 Surely you don't believe him?

3479 safely without harm or danger /ˈseɪfli/ adverb B1 They arrived safely.

3501 publicly openly, where everyone can see or hear /ˈpʌblɪkli/ adverb B2 The minister apologised publicly yesterday.

3515 strictly completely, with no exceptions allowed /ˈstɹɪktli/ adverb B2 Smoking is strictly forbidden here.

3520 differently in another way, not the same /ˈdɪfɹəntli/ adverb B1 She sees things differently now.

3638 commonly often, by many people /ˈkɑmənli/ adverb B2 This mistake is commonly made by students.

3677 gradually slowly, a little at a time /ˈɡɹædʒuəli/ adverb B2 The weather gradually improved.

3681 repeatedly many times, again and again /ɹɪˈpitɪdli/ adverb B2 He was warned repeatedly but did not listen.

3730 precisely exactly, at that very point /pɹɪˈsaɪsli/ adverb B2 The train left at precisely nine o'clock.

3735 partly to some degree but not completely /ˈpɑɹtli/ adverb B2 The accident was partly my fault.

3748 aboard on or into a ship, plane, train or bus /əˈbɔɹd/ adverb, preposition B2 All passengers are now aboard the ship.

3772 legally according to the law /ˈliɡəli/ adverb B2 You are legally required to wear a seatbelt.

3795 virtually almost completely /ˈvɝtʃuəli/ adverb B2 The town was virtually empty.

3811 incredibly extremely, to a surprising degree /ˌɪnˈkɹɛdəbli/ adverb B1 The film was incredibly boring.

3853 overseas in or to a foreign country across the sea /ˈoʊvɚˈsiz/ adverb, adjective B2 She has worked overseas for years.

3957 overnight for or during the whole night /ˈoʊvɚˈnaɪt/ adverb, adjective B2 We stayed overnight in a hotel.

4014 technically according to the strict facts or rules /ˈtɛknɪkəli/ adverb B2 Technically, the shop is still open.

4024 allegedly according to claims not yet proved /əˈlɛdʒədli/ adverb C1 He allegedly stole the money.

4032 sometime at a point in time not yet fixed /ˈsʌmˌtaɪm/ adverb B1 Let us meet sometime next week.

4054 automatically by itself, without a person controlling it /ˌɔtəˈmætɪkli/ adverb B1 The doors open automatically.

4161 similarly in almost the same way /ˈsɪməlɚli/ adverb B2 The two boys were similarly dressed.

4189 alike in the same way; very similar /əˈlaɪk/ adverb, adjective B2 The twins look alike.

4219 honestly truthfully, without lying /ˈɑnəstli/ adverb B1 Honestly, I did not know.

4240 practically almost; very nearly /ˈpɹæktɪkli/ adverb B2 The bottle is practically empty.

4297 correctly in the right way, without mistakes /kɚˈɛktli/ adverb A2 Did I spell your name correctly?

4314 formerly in the past, but not now /ˈfɔɹmɚli/ adverb C1 The hotel was formerly a castle.

4361 briefly for a short time, or in few words /ˈbɹifli/ adverb B2 She spoke briefly to the press.

4408 importantly used to mark a point that matters greatly /ˌɪmˈpɔɹtəntli/ adverb B2 More importantly, nobody was hurt.

4420 reportedly according to what people say /ɹɪˈpɔɹtədli/ adverb C1 The singer is reportedly very ill.

4486 temporarily for a limited time only /ˌtɛmpɚˈɛɹəli/ adverb B2 The shop is temporarily closed.

4529 hopefully it is wished that /ˈhoʊpfəli/ adverb B1 Hopefully the rain will stop soon.

4590 quietly making very little noise /ˈkwaɪətli/ adverb A2 She closed the door quietly.

4612 subsequently after that /ˈsʌbsəkwəntli/ adverb C1 He was subsequently arrested.

4652 freely without limits or control /ˈfɹili/ adverb B2 You can speak freely here.

4681 accidentally by chance, without meaning to /ˌæksəˈdɛntəli/ adverb B1 I accidentally deleted the file.

4695 historically in the past; or in terms of the past /hɪˈstɔɹɪkəli/ adverb B2 Historically, the city was a port.

4713 altogether in total; or completely /ˌɔltəˈɡɛðɚ/ adverb B2 There were ten of us altogether.

4736 partially not completely /ˈpɑɹʃəli/ adverb C1 The road is partially closed.

4768 deliberately on purpose /dɪˈlɪbɚətli/ adverb B2 He broke the window deliberately.

4774 formally officially, or in a correct, serious way /ˈfɔɹməli/ adverb B2 He was formally charged with murder.

4815 nonetheless in spite of that /ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs/ adverb C1 It was hard; nonetheless, we finished.

4818 severely very badly or seriously /səˈvɪɹli/ adverb B2 The building was severely damaged.

4823 poorly badly /ˈpuɹli/ adverb B2 The room was poorly lit.

4831 simultaneously at the same time /ˌsaɪməlˈteɪniəsli/ adverb C1 They both spoke simultaneously.

4881 sexually in a way connected with sex /ˈsɛkʃuəli/ adverb B2 The disease is sexually transmitted.

4882 seemingly in a way that appears true /ˈsimɪŋli/ adverb C1 He was seemingly unaware of the danger.

4893 likewise in the same way; also /ˈlaɪˌkwaɪz/ adverb C1 Watch him and do likewise.

4894 exclusively only, and for no one or nothing else /ɪkˈsklusɪvli/ adverb C1 The offer is exclusively for members.

4930 traditionally according to long-held custom /tɹəˈdɪʃənəli/ adverb B2 Traditionally, the bride wears white.

4972 solely only, and involving nothing or nobody else /ˈsoʊəli/ adverb C1 He is solely responsible for the error.

Most common English adverbs