Adverbs

 

Polite Requests

Adverbs add a level of formality which means our requests are serious and formal, but always polite.

 

“Would you kindly explain why my operating system is not compatible?”

Kindly lets me make a polite request, but also suggests that there is some frustration. I want to say, Tell me!, but of course I need to be more polite.

 

Urgently can also be used to add seriousness when we want to say that something needs to be done ASAP.

“This issue should be prioritized. A solution is urgently needed if we want to keep their business.”

 

Furthermore is an adverb we sometimes use to start a sentence. It means in addition to and usually follows important information.

“We need to urgently address the issue of training standards. Furthermore, the politeness of team members should be assessed. Kindly place these issues at the top of the list of priorities for the next quarter.”

Something is urgently needed. Furthermore, we have more issues to address. We are then kindly asked to prioritize these issues.

 

We can ask for what we want in a polite way that shows seriousness and necessity.

 

Adverbs of Possibility

We can use maybe or perhaps to express possibility, sometimes at the start of the sentence.

“Perhaps the threat is greater than we imagined.”

 

If we are more convinced or sure, we can use certainly or definitely, often before the main verb of the sentence.

“They are definitely going to address this issue at the next scheduled meeting.”

 

You can use supposedly to express doubt, either at the start or in the middle of the sentence.

“Supposedly, this deadline is achievable.”

“This new system is supposedly more secure.”

Supposedly is also used to express frustration, because we may feel unenthusiastic about a situation or deadline that is unrealistic.

 

Adverbs of Probability

Adverbs usually go before the main verb, but usually follow the verb "be".

 

These adverbs can go at the start of the sentence. However : Obviously is followed by a comma. Surely is not. 

 

Obviously

We are convinced something is true, necessary or definitely going to happen.

“This issue obviously needs more consideration before we make a decision.”

 

Likely

It will probably happen. We often use it with more or most.

“These issues would most likely be caught sooner if we implement the changes.”

 

Surely

Similar to obviously. It means we believe something is logical and true, but there are perhaps other possibilities.

“Our team would surely have resolved the issue faster with better communication.”