The word "usually" is an example of an adverb.
Understanding Adverbs
Adverbs are words that modify or describe verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or even entire sentences. They provide more information about how, when, where, or to what extent something happens.
For instance, an adverb can tell you:
- How often: always, never, usually
- How: quickly, softly, carefully
- When: yesterday, soon, now
- Where: here, there, everywhere
- To what extent: very, quite, almost
The Adverb 'Usually'
Based on the provided examples, the word "usually" is used as an adverb of frequency. It indicates that something happens in most cases or on most occasions.
Examples from References
Here are examples showing how "usually" is used as an adverb in sentences:
- "I'm usually home by 6 o'clock."
- "We usually go by car."
- "Results are usually available within a couple of days."
- "I usually only see them at Christmas or weddings."
Function of 'Usually' in Sentences
In these examples, "usually" modifies the verb or the state being described, telling us how often the action or state occurs.
Sentence | Verb/State Modified | Type of Modification |
---|---|---|
I'm usually home by 6 o'clock. | 'm (am) / home | Frequency (of being) |
We usually go by car. | go | Frequency (of action) |
Results are usually available within a couple of days. | are / available | Frequency (of state) |
I usually only see them... | see | Frequency (of action) |
Why 'Usually' is an Adverb
The word "usually" fits the definition of an adverb because it provides additional detail about the frequency of the action or state described by the verb. It answers the question "How often?".