Adverbs, Prepositions, and Conjunctions: Usage and Types

Adverbs

The adverb is an invariable word; you cannot add morphemes. It can modify an adjective or a verb.

Types of Adverbs

There are four types of adverbs:

• Simple: A single word (today, then, off, etc.)
• Adjectival: Adjectives used as adverbs (fast, strong, etc.)
• Compound: Formed from several adjectives with added endings (mindfully, easily)
• Adverbial Phrases: Two or more words that function as an adverb (suddenly, at once)

Adverb Categories

Adverbs can indicate:

• Place: (here, there, near, inside, outside)
• Time: (today, yesterday, tomorrow, still, when)
• Manner: (well, certainly, better, worse, quickly)
• Affirmation: (yes, of course)
• Negation: (no, never)
• Amount: (nothing, much, little, pretty, too)
• Doubt: (maybe, perhaps, possibly, surely)

Adverbs like how, when, where, and how much can be used in questions or to link to an antecedent or subordinate clause.

Adverbs like 'so much' can modify adjectives.

Prepositions and Conjunctions

Prepositions

Prepositions are words that introduce a noun or equivalent term and relate it to another word in the sentence. This word can be a noun, pronoun, adjective, verb, or adverb.

Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases are formed by two or more words that function as a preposition (in comparison to, because of, at the expense of).

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that unite elements within a sentence or attach clauses to form compound sentences (and, but, though).

Conjunctive Phrases

Conjunctive phrases are formed by a group of words performing the same function as a conjunction (however, for more than that, so).

There are two types of conjunctions and conjunctive phrases:

• Coordinating: Connect elements of the same level (we painted the chairs).
• Subordinating: Introduce clauses that depend on others (we painted the table to look like new).

Coordinating Conjunctions

• Copulative: Connect phrases or add their meanings (and, nor).
• Disjunctive: Indicate that one element excludes the other (or, either).
• Distributive: Alternate signs with no exclusion (whether, well, that is).
• Adversative: The sign of one element is opposed to the other (but, however, nevertheless, except).
• Explanatory: One element explains another (i.e., that is).

Subordinating Conjunctions

• Complete: Introduce a substantive conditional clause (that and if he said they would come soon).
• Row: Introduce a subordinate clause that acts adverbially, showing the consequence of what is said (later, though, therefore).
• Causal: Presents the motive or cause of the above (as, because, since).
• Final: Explains the intention or the action that occurs (so that, in order that: I brought these books to consult).
• Concessive: Expresses an objection that does not prevent the realization of the action (although, even though, for more than).
• Temporal: Explains when the action takes place (since, as soon as, while, before, after that).
• Manner: Shows how the action is performed (as, according to: he acts according to his conscience).
• Conditional: Shows the necessary condition for the action to be performed (provided that, as long as, like).
• Comparative: Makes a comparison (more than, less than, as much as).