Most Commonly Used Adverb Phrases

The use of the following Adverb phrases should be noted:

List Of Adverb Phrases In Common Use

These are the adverb phrases that we use in everyday life:

Above all

Meaning: before all other considerations

Example: Above all, be honest.

Above board

Meaning: in a straightforward manner

Example: Everything he did was fair and above board.

After all

Meaning: is in spite of expectations to the contrary

Example: I don't know why you're so concerned; after all, it isn't your problem.

Again and again

Meaning: repeatedly; at frequent intervals

Example: You should read this book again and again.

All the same

Meaning: anyway; in spite of this

Example: He knew investment is too risky. He did it all the same.

All of a sudden

Meaning: quickly and unexpectedly

Example: All of a sudden, people started running here and there.

At present

Meaning: at the moment; at this time

Example: At present, we have 10 members in our group.

As a matter of fact

Meaning: in reality (used to correct misunderstanding)

Example: As a matter of fact, I'm going to watch this movie tonight so please don't disclose full story.

Before long

Meaning: in the near future or in a short time

Example: Before long he has learned a lot about the business.

By the way

Meaning: incidentally; used to say something you have just thought of

Example: By the way, where is Sara and Jenny?

By far

Meaning: by a great amount; used to say something is much better

Example: He is by far the best motivational speaker I have ever seen.

By no means

Meaning: not at all; certainly not

Example: By no means, she will come with us on a summer vacation.

First and foremost

Meaning: most important; before anything else

Example: First and foremost, follow the rules.

For certain

Meaning: Without any doubt

Example: I think she likes him, but I couldn't say for certain.

For long

Meaning: for a long period of time

Example: She couldn't stay angry with him for long.

For better or for worse

Meaning: whether it is good or bad; no matter what future may be

Example: For better or worse, he is the president now.

From time to time

Meaning: not often; occasionally

Example: He wrote articles on different subjects from time to time.

In time

Meaning: well before the latest possible time

Example: Gas pipeline tragedy averted as leak was controlled in time.

Little by little

Meaning: small increment; gradually

Example: Little by little her health started improving.

In the least

Meaning: not at all ( mostly used to emphasize negative)

Example: I’m not in the least interested to visit her wedding.

Now and then

Meaning: from time to time

Example: Every now and then I meet my school friends.

On the contrary

Meaning: In opposition to what is said or expected

Example: You don't look old; on the contrary, you look younger than your age.

Once and again

Meaning: repeatedly; two or more times

Example: I have told you once and again not to increase TV volume.

On the one hand. ...on the other hand

Meaning: used to introduce two contrasting view or point

Example: On the one hand I like movies, but on the other hand I rarely watch them.

Once again

Meaning: one more time

Example: Rahul was once again making fun of her publicly.

Once and for all

Meaning: to deal with something finally and completely

Example: Once and for all he has decided to leave this job.

Over and above

Meaning: in addition to; besides

Example: He earns incentives of $1000 over and above his monthly salary.

Sooner or later

Meaning: at some point in the future

Example: Sooner or later she will have to deal with consequences.

As far as

Meaning: To the extent of

Example: As far as I know, she will join us for Goa trip.

There and then

Meaning: immediately; on the spot

Example: The murderer was caught there and then.

To and fro

Meaning: to move backwards and forwards constantly

Example: Police van drove slowly to and fro, ready to arrest protestors.

To the contrary

Meaning: against what has been said

Example: I believe he is innocent, whatever they may say to the contrary.

To the full

Meaning: fully; as much as possible

Example: We enjoyed our summer vacation to the full.

With one voice

Meaning: to have same opinion; unanimously

Example: His proposal was rejected with one voice by the people.