ADVERBS

178. Adverbs should be so placed in a sentence as to make it quite clear which word or

words they are intended to modify. Hence Adverbs should come, if possible, next to the

word or words they modify.

He had got almost to the top when the rope broke.

179. As a general rule, only should be placed immediately before the word it is intended

to modify; as,

I worked only two sums.

Only Balu succeeded in scoring a century.

I praise him only when he deserves it.

In spoken English, however, it is usually put before the verb. The required meaning is

obtained by stressing the word which the only modifies ; e.g.,

He only worked two sums.

180. The adverbs ever, never, scarcely, ever are often misplaced, as in the following

sentence :

Quite the most remarkable article we ever remember to have read.

[Say : we remember ever ….]

181. Two negatives destroy each other. Hence" two negatives should not be used in the

same sentence unless we wish to make an affirmation. We should say:

I haven't got any (not none ).

I could not find it anywhere (not nowhere).

I have not got any (not no ) paper for my exercise.

I can't see any (not no ) wit in her.

Scarcely any one believes in such ghost stories nowadays.

(Not, No one scarcely believe ….)

182. Adjectives should not be used for Adverbs. We should say, for instance:-

He ate the sweets greedily (not greedy).

He will pay dearly (not dear) for his mistake.

183. Ever is sometimes misused for never.

We seldom or never (not ever) see those forsaken who trust in God. Such goods are made

for export, and are seldom or never (not ever) used in the country.

Note:- Seldom or never and seldom if ever are both correct but seldom or ever is

incorrect.

184. Else should be followed by but.

It is nothing else but (not than) pride.

185. The use of never for not is incorrect.

We met the other day, but he never referred to the matter. [Say :- he did not ever refer....]

Kipling was never born in London. [Say :- Kipling was not born ….]

I never remember having met him. [Say:- I do not remember ever having met him.]

186. Except colloquially, so as an adverb of degree must not be used absolutely (i.e.,.

without a correlative.) We should say:-

He is very (not so ) weak.

Cricket is very (not so ) uncertain. I was very (not so ) lonely.

187. That should not be used instead of so as an adverb. We should say :-

He went only so (not that) far.

He was so (not that) tired that he could scarcely stand.

He was so (not that) angry that he slammed the book on the table.

188. The adverb too means “more than enough” and should not be used instead of very or

much. In the following sentences too is used correctly :-

The news is too good to be true.

My heart is too full for words.

The work is too much for any man to do single-handed.

He is too much exhausted to speak.

189. Of course is often loosely used for certainly, undoubtedly. Strictly speaking, of

course should1 be used to denote a natural or an inevitable consequence.

Does she sing well? Certainly (not of course) she does.

Exercise

Correct the following sentences and state your reasons for so doing:-

1. It was bitter cold.

2. I couldn't help not laughing at the joke.

3. I never remember to have seen a more excited football match.

4. This novel is too interesting.

5. I haven't got any money.

6. My friend said he never remembered having read a more enjoyable book.

7. This hardly won liberty was not to be lightly abandoned.

8. I am much glad to see you.

9. No one can write as neat as he does.

10. I cannot by no means allow you to do so.

11. The flowers smell sweetly.

12. I don't know nothing whatever of the matter.