Adverb of Affirmation: Definition, Usage, and Examples 

Adverb of Affirmation: Adverbs of affirmation mean agreement with statements or ideas. They help to state that the statement is true and reliable and this boosts understanding of the listener or reader. These adverbs also promote strong relationships and positive communication. Correct use of these adverbs can enhance your communication skills.  Thus, helps to add credibility to the writing. Adverbs also add clarity to your writing. Let us explore the world of adverbs of affirmation to understand the meaning and their usage with the help of examples.

Definition: Adverbs of Affirmation

The adverb of affirmation defines the agreement, confirmation, or approval. The adverbs of affirmation are used to confirm or affirm a statement that is true and reliable. These adverbs are also called positive adverbs. Some of the common adverbs of affirmation are certainly, definitely, absolutely, etc. 

Also Read: Deciphering the Difference: Adjective vs. Adverb in English Grammar

List of Adverbs of Affirmation

The words that are used to confirm or affirm a statement are mentioned below. However, read the listed adverbs of affirmation carefully.

• Certainly
• Indeed
• Absolutely
• Definitely
• Surely
• Truly
• Undoubtedly
• Positively
• Affirmatively
• Absolutely

Also Read: Conjunctive Adverbs Meaning, Examples & Exercises

List of Adverbs of Negation

The words that are used to negate or deny a statement are mentioned below. Let us read the list of adverbs of negation carefully.

• Not
• No
• Never
• Nowhere
• None
• Neither
• Nor
• Nowise
• Noway
• Hardly
• Barely
• Scarcely
• Seldom
• Rarely
• Little

Also Read: Adverbs: Definition, Types, Use, Examples & Exercises

Adverbs of Affirmation Rules 

It is time to understand the rules of inserting the adverbs of affirmation within the sentence.

Rules	Examples
When the main verb takes the form of to be we add an adverb of affirmation before the main verb.	I clearly cried after reading the note.
In case when there are both main and auxiliary verbs in the sentence then adverbs of affirmation are placed between both of them.	She has certainly forgotten my birthday.
Adverbs of affirmation can be placed at the beginning of the sentence too.	Probably, she has lost her way.
When the adverbs of affirmation like surely are placed in the beginning of the sentence it assures that the statement is true and reliable.	Surely, she will be moving to Canada next month.

Adverbs of Negation

Similarly, there are adverbs of negation corresponding to the adverb of affirmation. These adverbs are used to negate or deny the statement. These adverbs are also called negative adverbs. However, it is important to learn adverbs of affirmation and Negation together. Some of the common examples of adverbs of negation are not, no, never, nowhere, etc.

Examples of Adverbs of Affirmation and Negation

Let us understand the usage of adverbs of affirmation and the adverbs of negation with the help of examples as given in the table below.

Adverbs of Affirmation	Adverbs of Negation
Certainly, the project will be completed on time.	Not everyone was able to attend the meeting due to scheduling conflicts.
Indeed, the performance was outstanding.	No, I haven’t seen that movie yet.
Absolutely, I agree with your proposal.	I have never been to Europe, but I hope to visit someday.
Definitely, she is the best candidate for the job.	Nowhere in the contract does it mention additional fees.
Surely, you can rely on my support	None of the students passed the exam with a perfect score.

Also Read: Adverbs for Manner: Meaning, Definition, Examples, Exercises

Exercise on Adverbs of Affirmation and Negation

Fill in the blanks with the adverbs of affirmation and negation

1. She completed the task _______________.
2. The team worked _______________ to meet the deadline.
3. _______________ did I doubt his sincerity.
4. We can _______________ trust him with important responsibilities.
5. The results were _______________ in our favor.
6. I will _______________ support your decision.
7. _______________ will we compromise on quality.
8. The plan was executed _______________ and efficiently.
9. I _______________ believe in your abilities.
10. The feedback was _______________ positive.
11. They _______________ accepted the challenge.
12. The solution was found _______________ and effectively.
13. _______________ will I forget your kindness.
14. The performance was _______________ outstanding.
15. I _______________ agree with your assessment of the situation.

Answers 

1. She completed the task effortlessly.
2. The team worked diligently to meet the deadline.
3. Never did I doubt his sincerity.
4. We can confidently trust him with important responsibilities.
5. The results were positively in our favor.
6. I will fully support your decision.
7. Nowhere will we compromise on quality.
8. The plan was executed swiftly and efficiently.
9. I wholeheartedly believe in your abilities.
10. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
11. They readily accepted the challenge.
12. The solution was found quickly and effectively.
13. Never will I forget your kindness.
14. The performance was truly outstanding.
15. I absolutely agree with your assessment of the situation.

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Adjective Phrases	Interrogative Adverbs

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