Identify the kind of the underlined adverb:
Nobody in our colony could explain the reason why the water supply stopped every Tuesday.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Relative Adverb
An adverb is a word that tells how, when, where or how much something happens. It can also describe an adjective or another adverb, for example she sings sweetly, very hot.
Here “why” links the reason to “the water supply stopped every Tuesday” and tells us what the reason is. It does not ask a question.
| Option | What it tells | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Interrogative Adverb | asks a question (when, where, why, how) | Why is the shop closed today? |
| (2) Relative Adverb (answer) | links a noun to more information about it (when, where, why) | Ooty is the town where my parents spent their holiday. |
| (3) Adverb of Manner | how something is done (slowly, neatly) | Please fold the clothes neatly. |
| (4) Adverb of Degree | how much or to what extent (very, too, quite) | The bus was very crowded this morning. |