30 Adverb + Verb Collocations

30 Adverb + Verb Collocations (with Meanings & Examples)

Hello, dear English learners 👋 Welcome to a new lesson. In natural English, we rarely choose verbs and adverbs at random. Native speakers instinctively combine certain adverbs with certain verbs — and these combinations are called collocations. Using correct adverb + verb collocations will make your English sound more natural, fluent and advanced.

They are especially useful for B2 First and C1 Advanced writing and speaking, where precision really matters. When my students prepare for Cambridge exams, collocations like these often make the difference between a B2 and a C1 answer. Examiners don’t want “correct but flat” English — they want natural combinations.

Let’s look at 30 common and useful adverb + verb collocations, with clear meanings and natural examples.

Accidentally fall

Meaning: to fall by mistake or without intending to

Michael accidentally fell down the stairs while carrying a heavy box.

Attentively watch

Meaning: to watch something with full attention

The students attentively watched the teacher’s demonstration.

Bitterly complain

Meaning: to complain in an angry or resentful way

She bitterly complained about the unfair decision.

Clearly understand

Meaning: to understand something completely

He clearly understands the risks involved.

Work closely

Meaning: to cooperate very carefully and directly with someone

The designers work closely with the marketing team.

Completely forget

Meaning: to forget something entirely

I completely forgot to lock the door.

Deeply regret

Meaning: to feel strong sadness about a past action

He deeply regrets leaving school so early.

Directly question

Meaning: to ask something in a straightforward way

The journalist directly questioned the minister.

Eagerly drink

Meaning: to drink with enthusiasm

After the race, the runners eagerly drank water.

Eventually fail

Meaning: to fail after some time or effort

The business eventually failed due to poor management.

Firmly believe

Meaning: to strongly believe something

She firmly believes that education changes lives.

Fluently speak

Meaning: to speak a language smoothly and confidently

He fluently speaks English and French.

Formally approve

Meaning: to officially accept or agree to something

The plan was formally approved by the committee.

Freely admit

Meaning: to admit something openly

She freely admitted her mistake.

Fully understand

Meaning: to understand something completely

Make sure you fully understand the instructions.

Gradually recover

Meaning: to become healthy or strong again slowly

He is gradually recovering after the operation.

Greatly admire

Meaning: to respect someone very much

I greatly admire her dedication to teaching.

Rain heavily

Meaning: to rain a lot

It rained heavily all night.

Highly recommend

Meaning: to strongly suggest something

I highly recommend this book for exam preparation.

Hysterically shout

Meaning: to shout uncontrollably due to fear or emotion

She hysterically shouted when she saw the fire.

Loudly scream

Meaning: to scream with great volume

The child loudly screamed in the playground.

Miserably cry

Meaning: to cry in deep sadness

He miserably cried after hearing the news.

Openly encourage

Meaning: to support something publicly

Teachers should openly encourage discussion.

Seriously consider

Meaning: to think about something carefully

You should seriously consider studying abroad.

Sharply increase

Meaning: to rise suddenly and significantly

House prices sharply increased last year.

Sincerely hope

Meaning: to genuinely wish for something

I sincerely hope you pass your exam.

Strongly resemble

Meaning: to look very similar

The brothers strongly resemble each other.

Tightly control

Meaning: to control something strictly

Access to the data is tightly controlled.

Thoroughly check

Meaning: to examine something very carefully

Please thoroughly check your answers.

Work hard

Meaning: to put in a lot of effort

She worked hard and achieved excellent results.

Final tip

Don’t try to memorise long lists. Choose 5–6 collocations, write your own sentences, and reuse them in speaking and writing. That’s how collocations stick.

Learn verb + preposition collocations here

Learn adjective + preposition collocations here

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