10 Truth, comment and linking adverbs.

Question 1

Perhaps/Maybe Mandy has missed the bus.

You’ve certainly/undoubtedly made a good start.

Answer 1

A truth adverb expresses what the speaker knows about the truth of a statement: how likely it is to be true, or to what degree it is true.

Question 2

I agree with you basically.
Service isn’t included, presumably.
Clearly, the matter is urgent.
The boxer allegedly took drugs.

Answer 2

A truth adverb expresses what the speaker knows about the truth of a statement: how likely it is to be true, or to what degree it is true.

Question 3

You certainly haven’t wasted any time.

Service presumably isn’t included.

Answer 3

Certainly, definitely and probably usually go in mid position.

Question 4

The whole thing is ridiculous in my opinion.
Of course, I’ll pay you back.
We get on quite well together on the whole.

Answer 4

We can also use a prepositional phrase.

Question 5

I think the whole thing is ridiculous.
Someone’s fused the lights, I expect.
I’m sure you’ve made a mistake.

Answer 5

We can also use a clause with I.

Question 6

Luckily no one was killed.

Answer 6

(= It was lucky that no one was killed.)

Question 7

The newspaper wasn’t interested in the story, surprisingly.

Answer 7

We use this kind of adverb to make a comment on what we are saying

Question 8

I’m afraid, we didn’t win anything.

Unfortunately, we didn’t win anything.

Answer 8

We use this kind of adverb to make a comment on what we are saying

Question 9

Dick wisely didn’t interfere.

Answer 9

(= It was wise of Dick not to interfere.)

Question 10

I stupidly left the car unlocked.

Answer 10

(= It was stupid of me.)

Question 11

The man stared stupidly.

Answer 11

(= in a stupid manner)

Question 12

To my surprise, the newspaper wasn’t interested in the story.
To Phil’s delight, his plan proved successful.

Answer 12

We can use a phrase with to for someone’s feelings about something.

Question 13

Honestly, I think you’re making the wrong decision.

To be honest, I think you’re making the wrong decision.

Answer 13

We can comment on why we are saying something.

Question 14

But the baby does not just grow bigger and heavier. Its shape and body proportions also change as it grows up.

Answer 14

Also: Linking adverbs

Question 15

When Beethoven was fourteen, he was forced to give lessons to support his parents. However, he still found time to take a few violin lessons, and he went on composing.

Answer 15

However: Linking adverbs

Question 16

If you pay the bill in full within 25 days you won’t be charged interest. Otherwise, you are charged interest on any balance outstanding.

Answer 16

Otherwise: Linking adverbs

Question 17

Some other linking adverbs are as well, too, in addition, furthermore, nevertheless, on the other hand, therefore, consequently, as a result, likewise; instead.

Answer 17

They have similar meanings to conjunctions such as and, but, so and if.

Question 18

There are two reasons. Firstly, I’m not interested, and secondly, I haven’t got the time

Answer 18

Ordering: Firstly, secondly.

Question 19

In conclusion, I’d like to say a few words about future prospects.

Answer 19

Summing up: In conclusion, I’d…

Question 20

The matter is under consideration. In other words, they’re thinking about it.

Answer 20

Rephrasing: In other words,…

Question 21

I’ll see you tomorrow then. Or rather on Monday.

Answer 21

Correcting: Or rather…

Question 22

We’ve got lots of things we could sell. There’s the car, for example.

Answer 22

Giving examples: for example.

Question 23

I think I’ll have the sausages. ~ Talking of sausages, did you know there’s a barbecue on Saturday?

Answer 23

Picking up a topic: Talking of

Question 24

I had a lovely lunch. ~ Good. By the way, where did you put that file?

Answer 24

Changing the subject: By the way

Question 25

I think I’d better be going. It’s past midnight, after all.

Answer 25

Supporting a statement: after all.

Question 26

I don’t know whether we did the right thing. Anyway, it doesn’t matter now.

Answer 26

Dismissing something: Anyway

Question 27

The government sold the telephone service to private investors. Gas and electricity were privatized in the same way.

Answer 27

Comparing: in the same way.