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WHAT DO "COMMENT
ADVERBIALS" EXPRESS? |
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1) They express how certain the speaker is
about something. Some common adverbs: certainly,
definitely, possibly, probably, undoubtedly: |
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She's
definitely
happier now than she was when she first arrived in the
country. |
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Some common adverbial phrases: without a
doubt, in theory, in all likelihood: |
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In all
likelihood, there are more advantages to relaxing
controls on immigration than disadvantages. |
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2) They express the speaker's attitude or
opinion about what they say. Some common adverbs: frankly,
personally, unfortunately, surprisingly: |
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I,
personally
would only emigrate if I was sure it would improve my
standard of living. |
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Some common adverbial phrases: in my
opinion, quite honestly, generally speaking,
to my surprise: |
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Quite honestly,
I don't think you should have given him so much money. |
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3) They express the speaker's opinion of
their or someone else's actions: cleverly, kindly,
mistakenly, strangely, foolishly, etc.
These adverbs depend on the action taken and therefore it is not
possible to provide a list of the most common ones: |
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The government has
mistakenly,
I think, put too many restrictions on immigration from
certain countries.
( = I think the government's action is a mistake). |
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Strangely.
I haven't heard anything from her since she moved house.
( = I think her failure to communicate is strange). |
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WHERE ARE "COMMENT
ADVERBIALS" PLACED? |
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1) Comment adverbials are often placed at the
beginning of the sentence: |
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Frankly, If I could choose, I'd leave Manchester
and migrate back to the country. |
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2) However, they can also be placed in the
middle position in the sentence – between the subject and the
verb: |
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She was
unfortunately
extremely late for the appointment. |
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3) Or at the end of the sentence: |
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Demetrio is thinking of emigrating to
Paraguay,
apparently. |
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IMPORTANT: In writing, comment
adverbials are usually separated from the rest of the sentence
by a comma when used at the beginning or end of a sentence. |
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On the next page you will be able to practise
this grammar. |
