Commonly Used Adverbs at the Beginning of Speech
1–20
Adverb
Meaning
Example Sentence
Basically
In simple terms
Basically, we just need to
finish this report by Friday.
Practically
Almost, nearly
Practically everyone agreed
with the new policy.
Normally
Usually, in most cases
Normally, I don’t drink
coffee at night.
Simply
In a straightforward way
Simply put, we don’t have
enough time.
Ironically
In a way that is opposite to
expectations
Ironically, he was late to a
meeting about punctuality.
Literally
Exactly, without
exaggeration
I was literally speechless
after hearing the news.
Theoretically
According to theory
Theoretically, this plan
should work perfectly.
Honestly
Truthfully
Honestly, I don’t think this
is a good idea.
Seriously
In a serious way
Seriously, we need to talk
about this problem.
Frankly
Honestly, directly
Frankly, I don’t think you’re
ready for this job.
Actually
In reality
Actually, I’ve never been to
New York.
Surprisingly
In an unexpected way
Surprisingly, the movie was
really good.
Fortunately
Luckily
Fortunately, no one was
hurt in the accident.
Unfortunately
Sadly
Unfortunately, we lost the
game.
Evidently
Clearly, obviously
Evidently, he had no idea
what he was doing.
Undoubtedly
Without doubt
Undoubtedly, she is the best
person for the job.
Clearly
Obviously
Clearly, this isn’t going to
work.
Apparently
Seemingly
Apparently, they broke up
last month.
Naturally
As expected
Naturally, he was excited
about his promotion.
Surely
Certainly
Surely, you don’t believe
that story!
Adverb
Meaning
Example Sentence
Eventually
In the end
Eventually, we all have to
face reality.
Gradually
Slowly over time
Gradually, he started to
understand the concept.
Suddenly
Unexpectedly
Suddenly, the lights went
out.
Immediately
At once
Immediately, she called her
lawyer.
Instantly
Right away
Instantly, I knew something
was wrong.
Rarely
Not often
Rarely do I eat fast food.
Occasionally
Sometimes
Occasionally, I like to go
hiking.
Frequently
Often
Frequently, I get headaches
in the afternoon.
Regularly
Often, consistently
Regularly, he goes to the
21–40
gym.
Approximately
About, around
Approximately 100 people
attended the event.
Equally
In the same way
Equally, both teams
performed well.
Logically
In a reasonable way
Logically, that explanation
makes sense.
Technically
Strictly speaking
Technically, that’s not
correct.
Fundamentally
At the core
Fundamentally, we need to
rethink our strategy.
Structurally
In terms of structure
Structurally, the building is
sound.
Philosophically
From a philosophical
perspective
Philosophically, I disagree
with that approach.
Emotionally
In terms of emotions
Emotionally, this was a
tough decision.
Psychologically
In terms of the mind
Psychologically, stress
affects performance.
Physically
In terms of the body
Physically, he is in great
shape.
Politically
In terms of politics
Politically, this move makes
sense.