Grammar: Adverbs

Formation of Adverbs

In Russian, adverbs are usually formed by adding the suffix -o/-e to the adjective.
Most often, the ending of the adjective changes to form the adverb. For instance, быстрый (fast) becomes быстро (quickly).
The adjectives ending with -ий, -ый, -ой have their masculine form converted to adverbs by replacing -ий/-ый/-ой with -о.

The position of adverbs in a sentence depends on the specific meaning the speaker wants to express.
However, adverbs generally precede the verb they are modifying.
When an adverb modifies an adjective or another adverb, it is usually placed before it.

Adverbs of manner explain how something happens or how an action is done. They often end in -о/-e in Russian.
Adverbs of place show location or direction. Examples include здесь (here), туда (there), внизу (below).
Adverb of time indicate when an action takes place. For instance: уже (already), сейчас (now), вчера (yesterday).
Adverbs of degree express level or intensity of an action, adjective, or another adverb, such as очень (very), больше (more), слишком (too).

The comparative form of adverbs is created in the same way as adjectives. They are usually formed by adding -ее or -ей to the end of the adverb.
The superlative form of adverbs is formed by using the word “самый” followed by the adverb in its basic form. For example, самое быстро (the quickest).