What are adverbs of affirmation?
Just like other adverbs, adverbs of affirmation add more information and describe the verb in more detail. They are called adverbs of affirmation because they tell about a level of certainty the speaker has.
These adverbs show that the speaker is absolutely sure something will go the way they say it will.
There is no room, or very little room, for doubt when using adverbs of affirmation. If you use them and something turns out different than what you said, you might end up looking like a fool. Make sure you use them carefully.
Adverbs of Affirmation
These are some:
- by all means,
- certainly,
- surely,
- verily,
- definitely,
- indeed,
- obviously,
- truly,
- undoubtedly,
- clearly,
- exactly,
- really
Examples
- They are definitely going to win. I’m certain of it, so I placed a $1000 bet.
- We certainly don’t steal from our customers! It must have been a computer error.
- Given the circumstances, I surely won’t allow you to go out.
- It’s truly a staggering innovation that will change the world.
- We are obviously going to make a lot of money with this investment.
- The burglar will be found, by all means necessary.
Adverbs of Negation
Adverbs of negation are completely opposite from affirmation. They show that the speaker doesn’t believe there is any chance things will go the way they say.
It means that the action is certain to fail or go directly opposite to what the speaker expects. There aren’t many adverbs of negation, so here they are:
- any,
- never,
- no,
- not
Any combination with these can also be considered an adverb of negation.
Examples
- There’s no chance they’re going to win tonight. Especially not since they lost their start player.
- She has never been to Las Vegas, so I’m certain she hasn’t gotten married behind his back.
- I don’t see any way this project could hope to be profitable.
Adverbs of Affirmation and Negation Quiz
1) He’s ______________ going to regret drinking that much in the morning.
- truly
- indeed
- certainly
- not at all
Answer: certainly
2) Her actions are ____________ a sign of her virtue.
- never
- truly
- verily
- not
Answer: truly
3) We have been playing poker together for years, and I have ____________ cheated.
- never
- undoubtedly
- by all means
- obviously
Answer: never
4) This is a battle that we are going to win _______________.
- not
- indeed
- verily
- by all means
Answer: by all means
5) There’s __________ a chance in hell I’ll ever do that.
- not
- obviously
- certainly
- no
Answer: not
6) Given the circumstances we _____________ have to expand in order to bolster sales.
- by all means
- obviously
- truly
- not
Answer: obviously
7) We have to change our sales tactic since I don’t see __________other way.
- no
- any
- indeed
- truly
Answer: any
8) Her research has _____________ provided future generations with enough insight to continue her work.
- verily
- by all means
- indeed
- not
Answer: indeed
9) I’m ___________ right about this!
- indeed
- truly
- never
- definitely
Answer: definitely
10) _____________ you can’t expect us to move production forward without proper testing.
- surely
- no
- indeed
- by all means
Answer: surely
More to read
- Types of Adverbs
- Adverbs of Quantity
- In your interaction with others, you affirm (agree) or negate (disagree) to ideas expressed for a certain motion or issue. Here are some expressions that you may use to affirm or negate.
- The Difference Between Sure and Surely
- 12 Synonyms for Confirm: Affirm, Repeat, Promise, Ratify, Verify…
- Synonyms for YES! Fantastic! Yup! For sure! Definitely!
