Question

Identify the adverb(s):
Tom runs very fast.
(This question has multiple correct options)
A) Tom
B) runs
C) very
D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: Adverbs are the words that are used to modify or describe a verb or an adjective.

Complete answer:
From the hint given to us, we understand the meaning of adverbs. It typically expresses manner, time, place, frequency, degree, etc. Let us observe its usage.
For example: She promptly responded to the mail.
Promptly is the adverb being used here. It describes the timing of the response which is a verb.
Now that we have understood what an adverb means, let us analyse the given options to find out the adverb in the given sentence.

A) Tom is the name of a person and hence it is a noun. Nouns are the words used to identify a place, person, object, quality, etc.
We observe that it does not belong to the part of speech of an adverb. Hence, we can say that option ‘a’ is not the correct answer.
B) Runs conveys an action in the sentence. It means to move at a faster speed than walk. It is a verb. Verbs are the action words. We observe that it does not belong to the part of speech of an adverb. Hence, we can say that option ‘c’ is not the correct answer.
C) Very means especially or extremely. It is used to modify a verb or an adjective.
For example: It is very hot today.
We observe that it does belong to the part of speech of an adverb. Hence, we can say that option ‘c’ is the correct answer.
D) None of these is not a valid option as option ‘c’ is the correct answer. Hence, we can say that option ‘e’ is not the correct answer.

Thus, option ‘c’ - very is the correct answer.

Note: It is to be noted that the given sentence also has another adverb, fast. An adverb can always describe another adverb. Very is describing fast, in the given sentence.