proadverbs

Proadverbs, also called pro-adverbs, are a class of linguistic proforms that stand in for adverbs or adverbial expressions in discourse. Like other proforms (for example pronouns replacing nouns), proadverbs help avoid repetition and maintain cohesion by referring back to a previously stated time, place, manner, degree, or other adverbial meaning.

Function and use

Proadverbs do not add new information about the circumstance; instead they substitute for a larger adverbial expression that has already been mentioned or implied. They commonly appear in ellipsis or coordination constructions, where the explicit adverbial phrase would be repetitive. Their use is typically dependent on the discourse context: the reader or listener must understand what is being replaced from earlier material.

Common forms and examples

Temporal proadverbs: then, now, soon can act as substitutes for longer time expressions, as in: We will start then. (standing for “at that time” or a previously discussed moment.)

Locative proadverbs: there, here may substitute for longer locative phrases, as in: Put it there. (standing for “in that place” or a previously mentioned location.)

Manner and other adverbial proforms: so, thus, or other proforms can function to replace an adverbial expression of manner or degree in an elliptical clause, as in: He spoke softly, and so did she. (so stands in for the preceding manner of speaking.)

Relation to other forms

Proadverbs are usually treated as a subtype of proforms. They are closely related to pro-nouns and pro-verbs in their role of substituting for antecedents to preserve coherence. Some grammars discuss them explicitly, while others treat the items that function as proadverbs as ordinary adverbs in typical usage.

See also: proforms, pronouns, ellipsis, discourse cohesion.