Knowing how to justify your perspective is one of the most powerful tools you can develop when building complex arguments in English. It goes far beyond simply stating an opinion — it means giving your audience clear reasons to understand and even agree with your point of view. This is where commenting and viewpoint adverbs become essential allies.
Why is justifying your perspective so important?
Justifying your position serves three key purposes. First, it allows you to expand and develop your ideas beyond surface-level statements [0:44]. Second, it helps your audience understand your argument more clearly. And third, it gives you a better chance of convincing others that your perspective is valid [0:56]. Simply saying "just because" or "that's why" won't cut it when you're trying to build a solid argument.
What makes adverbs different depending on their function?
Not all adverbs work the same way, even when they look identical. Consider these two sentences [1:23]:
- "She spoke clearly in order to make sure that she was understood."
- "Clearly, he has no interest in helping you with your project."
In the first sentence, clearly describes how she spoke — the manner. These are called adverbs of manner. In the second sentence, however, clearly modifies the entire sentence and reveals the speaker's perspective [1:55]. This second type is what we call a commenting adverb or viewpoint adverb.
What are commenting and viewpoint adverbs?
Commenting adverbs indicate the speaker's comment on a topic, while viewpoint adverbs express the speaker's opinion or point of view [2:09]. Both types help you frame your argument and signal to your audience exactly how you feel about what you're saying.
Here are some examples that illustrate their use:
- "She is obviously the most talented person for the job." [2:35]
- "They obviously studied for hours and hours in order to get such a high mark." [2:47]
In both cases, the adverb obviously tells the audience that the speaker considers this fact to be evident or undeniable.
Where should you place commenting and viewpoint adverbs?
Word order matters when using these adverbs [3:03]. There are two simple rules to remember:
- With the verb be: place the adverb after the verb (She is obviously talented).
- With any other verb: place the adverb before the verb (They obviously studied).
Another common placement is at the beginning of the sentence, which adds emphasis. For example: "Undoubtedly, this was the movie of the year" [3:18]. Here, the adverb undoubtedly signals that the speaker believes this without any doubt.
How can you practice using these adverbs effectively?
The best way to internalize these structures is through deliberate practice. Try writing five sentences using different commenting and viewpoint adverbs [3:35]. Some useful ones to experiment with include: obviously, clearly, undoubtedly, fortunately, unfortunately, evidently, and apparently.
Pay attention to where you place each adverb and whether you're using the verb be or another verb. This small detail can make your sentences sound natural and polished. Share your sentences with others and get feedback — that's how real improvement happens.
