The Adverb - English Grammar

Verbs, which don’t have a succeeding adverb

Several verbs must have a succeeding adjective instead of an adverb in the English grammar. These verbs do not describe actions; they rather express states.

All forms of to be:

• The boys are tired after a match.
• I'm sure the next train will be on time.
• This month has been awful so far.

The verbs feel, look, smell, seem, sound and taste, if they depict a state:

• I always feel good when I see her.
• Why do you look so sad tonight, Sarah?
• Mmmmh, this meal tastes wonderful!
• The dogs seem excited; what's the matter?
• You sound horrible! What's wrong with you?
• Grandma's pie always tastes great.

BUT, consider the following examples, when the verb describes an action:

• Joanne felt nervously for my hand during the film. (action)
• Miriam looked at me sadly, but I had no idea why. (action)
• Our cat always smells carefully at everything. (action)
• The shopkeeper sounded the alarm quickly after the robbery. (action)

The verbs get, go, grow and become, if they entail the meaning of a transition:

• In Marokko, the nights get cold.
• Mum will go mad if you don't tidy your room now.
• Look at Mrs. Summer! She has grown old this year, hasn't he?
• Tim will become very successful, I am sure.

Comparison of the adverb