Page 195 - Advanced English Grammar in Use

C o m m e n t a d v e r b s ; v i e w p o i n t a d v e r b s ; f o c u s
a d v e r b s

Comment adverbs

Some comment adverbs... examples
indicate how likely we think apparently, certainly, clearly, definitely, in theory, obviously,
something is. presumably, probably, undoubtedly
indicate our attitude to or astonishingly, frankly, generally, honestly, to be honest,
opinion of what is said. interestingly (enough), luckily, naturally, in my opinion,
personally, sadly, seriously, surprisingly, unbelievably
show our judgement of bravely, carelessly, foolishly, generously, kindly, rightly,
someone's actions. stupidly, wisely, wrongly

Most common comment adverbs can occur at the front, middle or end of a sentence:
• Personally, I'd be surprised if Symons is guilty.
• He led me to a room that had obviously been built later than the rest of the house.
• The book was based on his experience in China, apparently.
There are other possible positions for each of the comment adverbs in this examples. To show
that they apply to the whole sentence, we usually separate them from the rest of the sentence,
particularly in front and end positions, by a comma in writing or by intonation in speech.

A number of phrases and clauses can be used in a similar way to comment adverbs to indicate
our attitude to, or opinion of, what is said. For example:

To my disappointment, he didn't ask me Oddly enough, she didn't mention that she
why I was wearing a false nose. (Also To was moving house. (Also Curiously/
my surprise/astonishment, etc.) Funnily/Strangely enough)
To be frank, I don't think she's the best To put it simply (or Putting it simply), we
person to do the job. (Also To be need to spend less. (Also To put it
honest/truthful/fair, etc.) (or Putting it) bluntly/briefly/mildly, etc.)

Viewpoint adverbs
We use these 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.
• The brothers may be alike physically, but they have very different personalities.
Other examples include biologically, chemically, environmentally, ideologically, logically,
morally, outwardly, politically, technically, visually.
A number of phrases are used in a similar way: morally speaking, in political terms,
from a technical point of view, as far as the environment is concerned, etc.

Focus adverbs: even, only and alone
Even and only usually go in mid position (see Unit 90), but if they refer to the subject they
' come before it. Compare:
O • My mother has only brought some food. (= She hasn't brought anything else) and
• • Only my mother has brought some food. (= my mother and nobody else) (not My mother only...)
• Even Sue can speak French. (= you might not expect her to) (not Sue even...) and
• Sue can even speak French. (= in addition to everything else she can do)
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. (= other things are needed)
Position of adverbs =