Comment adverbs; viewpoint adverbs; focus adverbs
Comment adverbs
Some comment adverbs...	examples
indicate how likely we think something is.	apparently, certainly, clearly, definitely, in theory, obviously, presumably, probably, undoubtedly
indicate our attitude to or opinion of what is said.	astonishingly, frankly, generally, honestly, to be honest, interestingly (enough), luckily, naturally, in my opinion, personally, sadly, seriously, surprisingly, unbelievably
show our judgement of someone's actions.	bravely, carelessly, foolishly, generously, kindly, rightly, stupidly, wisely, wrongly
Most common comment adverbs can occur at the front, middle or end of a sentence:
• Personally, I'd be surprised if Symons is guilty.
• He led me to a room that had obviously been built later than the rest of the house.
• The book was based on his experience in China, apparently.
There are other possible positions for each of the comment adverbs in this examples. To show that they apply to the whole sentence, we usually separate them from the rest of the sentence, particularly in front and end positions, by a comma in writing or by intonation in speech.
A number of phrases and clauses can be used in a similar way to comment adverbs to indicate our attitude to, or opinion of, what is said. For example:
To my disappointment, he didn't ask me why I was wearing a false nose. (Also To my surprise/astonishment, etc.) To be frank, I don't think she's the best person to do the job. (Also To be honest/truthful/fair, etc.)
Oddly enough, she didn't mention that she
was moving house. (Also Curiously/
Funnily/Strangely enough)
To put it simply (or Putting it simply), we
need to spend less. (Also To put it
(or Putting it) bluntly/briefly/mildly, etc.)
Viewpoint adverbs
We use these adverbs to make it clear from what point of view we are speaking:
• Financially, the accident has been a disaster for the owners of the tunnel.
• The brothers may be alike physically, but they have very different personalities. Other examples include biologically, chemically, environmentally, ideologically, logically, morally, outwardly, politically, technically, visually.
A number of phrases are used in a similar way: morally speaking, in political terms, from a technical point of view, as far as the environment is concerned, etc.
Focus adverbs: even, only and alone
Even and only usually go in mid position (see Unit 90), but if they refer to the subject they come before it. Compare:
>   • My mother has only brought some food. (= She hasn't brought anything else) and
*   • Only my mother has brought some food. (= my mother and nobody else) (not My mother only...)
• Even Sue can speak French. (= you might not expect her to) (not Sue even...) and
• Sue can even speak French. (= in addition to everything else she can do) When we use alone to mean 'only', it comes after a noun:
• It isn't possible to become a great artist by hard work alone. (= other things are needed)
Position of adverbs ^
UNIT 90
unit
EXERCISES 93
93.1 Choose a comment adverb to replace the underlined part of each sentence. (A)
apparently      frankly      generally      in theory      luckily      naturally personally sadly      typically unbelievably
1 It is regrettable that we can't offer you a place on the course. ScuUy...
2 As might be expected, I did what I could to make them feel at home.
3 I've heard, but I'm not sure it's true that this building is going to be pulled down.
4 It is extremely surprising, but I won first prize.
5 To say what I really think, I don't know what I'd have done without him.
6 In most circumstances, an overdose of this size is fatal.
7 In my opinion. I think television is to blame for the decline in reading standards among children.
8 It is fortunate that John didn't hurt himself when he fell off his motorbike.
9 On average, it takes three days for a letter to get to Australia.
10 It is supposed to be true that you can park anywhere, but in practice there are rarely any spaces left by 9 o'clock.
93.2 Choose an appropriate viewpoint adverb from (i) and a sentence ending from (ii). (B)
...it has been produced in Scotland. ...it has without doubt caused climatic warming. ...it seemed to be in good condition. ...it is highly unlikely.
...it needs the support of its larger neighbours.
economically globally mechanically statistically traditionally
1 Although there was a lot of rust on the body of the car, mechantcouxj, it seemed, to be in good condition.
2 Although we don't notice the effects of industrial pollution at a local level, ...
3 Although whisky is now made in countries such as Japan and New Zealand,...
4 Although the country has had political independence for over a century,...
5 Although it is possible to contract malaria in England,...
93.3    Put even, only or alone in the most appropriate place in each sentence. (C)
1 When he died, ...$Y.e«. his political enemies...............agreed that he was a good man.
2 I didn't expect her to do anything, but when I came down...............Ella had tidied up and
...............made tea.
3 30, 000 cases of measles were reported during...............September................
4 He asked for lots of volunteers, but...............Alice...............put up her hand.
5 ...............my brother...............enjoyed the film, and he doesn't really like westerns.
6 It is often said that...............money...............can't bring you happiness.
7 ...............the machine could...............analyse its chemical constituents - it couldn't say if the rock
was valuable.
8 ...............the tickets...............would be more than I could afford. I certainly couldn't pay the
hotel bills, too.
JtftSF VMS.*!!*!:," ^8S*0^S *
Connecting ideas between and within sentences
■
Some words (adverbs or prepositional phrases used as adverbs) are used to connect ideas
between one sentence and a previous sentence or sentences: O   • There was no heating in the building. As a result, the workers had to be sent home. •   • We could go skiing at Christmas. Alternatively, we could just stay at home.
Others (conjunctions or prepositions) are used to connect ideas within a single sentence:
• While I was waiting, I read a magazine.
• I'll be wearing a red jumper so that you can see me easily.
Many words used to connect ideas between sentences can also connect two clauses in one sentence when they are joined with and, but, or, so, a semi-colon (;), colon (:), or dash (-):
• The building was extremely well constructed and, consequently, difficult to demolish.
• You could fly via Singapore; however, this isn't the only way.
Here are some examples of adverbs that connect ideas. ookj^Ij t^VlttM^,
type of connection	between sentences  ^jO M ^ u Kl c-T~i	within sentences
comparing, contrasting and concession (i.e. admitting something that may be surprising)	however (but see D), nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary, though, alternatively, instead, after all, in any case, in contrast, by contrast, otherwise, even so	although, though, even though, while, yet, whereas
causes, reasons, purposes and results	therefore, consequently, hence, as a consequence, in consequence (formal), thus, as a result, so	because, since, as, so, in order to, so that
adding ideas	in addition, furthermore, too, as well, likewise, similarly, moreover, what's more, also	
time: one event at the same time as another	meanwhile, at the same time, at that time	while, as, when, whenever
time: one event before another	soon, then, afterwards, after that, before that, subsequently	after, before, as soon as, since
Even though is a conjunction used to say that a fact doesn't make the rest of the sentence untrue. It connects ideas within a sentence:
• Even though much of the power of the trade unions has been lost, their political influence should not be underestimated.
Even so is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a fact that is surprising in the light of what was just said. It connects ideas between sentences:
I   • Much of the power of the trade unions has been lost. Even so, their political influence 1       should not be underestimated.
Although however is often used to connect ideas between sentences, it can also be used to connect ideas within a sentence:
■ when it is followed by an adjective, adverb, or much/many:
• We just don't have the money to do the work, however necessary you think it is.
■ when it means 'no matter how':
• However she held the mirror, she couldn't see the back of her neck.
Even though and even if =>
UNIT 98
EXERCISES
103.1   Choose items from (i) and from (ii) to complete these sentences in an appropriate way. Note the punctuation at the ends of the sentences and phrases already given. (A & B)
unit
103
when though at that time before      by contrast then nevertheless
it
the acting was superb      he was working as a librarian I was still late for work    we met each other he began his story the snow began to fall
Cuba has increased production by 35%
1 The world output of sugar has been in slow decline since 1984. By contrast, Cuba, has Increased, production by 55%.
2 Redford published his first novel in 1968.
3 The story told in the film was predictable,
4 He was working in the garden
5 We had lived in the same block of flats for 5 years
6 I got up very early.
7 He waited until the audience was silent.
Underline the correct alternative. (A, B & C)
1 Some of his photographs had won prizes in competitions. So that I Consequently, he thought of himself as a professional photographer.
2 She listened while I at the same time Ray read to her in a low voice.
3 The graphics in that new computer game I bought are quite good. Even so, I Even though, I soon got bored with playing it.
4 Mr Townsend was on holiday so I in consequence he wasn't considered.
5 He was refused entry to the country. Though I Instead he was forced to return to Spain.
6 I understand your point of view. However, I Although I don't agree with it.
7 Even so, I Even though I knew the house was empty, I rang the doorbell.
8 It was the best race seen in the stadium before that I since Howe beat Razak in 1989.
9 John had lived in the village for 20 years. Even though I Nevertheless the locals still considered him an outsider.
10 The car skidded to a halt as I meanwhile we were approaching the bridge.
11 He has lived next door to us for years, yet I however we hardly ever see him.
12 They met for tea at a cafe in New Street and afterwards I since they went shopping.
13 I walked up the stairs cautiously. Even so I Even though I nearly fell twice.
14 We all sat there gloomily, meanwhile I while Stuart smiled to himself.
15 I first saw Sam Moroney in Manchester. After I After that, I didn't miss any of his British concerts.
Use your own ideas to complete the sentences. Begin However + adjective/adverb/many/much.
(D)
1 However .}).w4r..)()$...WsheA,x„ he just couldn't get the door open.
2 We are unlikely ever to find a cure for the common cold, however......................
3 However....................., it's always possible to improve.
4 I never get tired of listening to Beethoven's 5th Symphony, however......................
r
207