In this example we can see that the adverb quickly indicates how Donald usually eats, providing more information about the way in which the action of eating is performed.

She sings very badly.

In this example we can also see how the adverb badly provides information about the way the action of singing is performed.

2. How are adverbs of manner formed?

In general, adverbs of manner are formed by adding the suffix -ly to an adjective:

Quick Quickly

Bad Badly

Depending on the ending of the adjective, we must take into account a few spelling rules:

Adjectives	Rule	Examples (adjective - adverb)
Ending in consonant plus -y	The -y is replaced by an -i plus the -ly ending	Easy	Easily
Ending in consonant plus -y	The -y is replaced by an -i plus the -ly ending	Angry	Angrily
Ending in -ic	We add the ending -ally	Tragic	Tragically
Ending in -ic	We add the ending -ally	Magic	Magically
Ending in -le	We keep the -L and replace the -e with the -y	Horrible	Horribly
Ending in -le	We keep the -L and replace the -e with the -y	Terrible	Terribly
Ending in -L	We add -ly	Beautiful	Beautifully
Ending in -L	We add -ly	General	Generally
Exceptions	No change at all	Fast	Fast
	No change at all	Hard	Hard
	Complete change	Good	Well

3. How are the adverbs of manner used?

Adverbs of manner are usually placed after the verb:

He works hard.

My grandfather speaks softly.

Note that if the verb is accompanied by a direct object, the adverb is placed after the direct object, not the verb:

He drinks

his coffee Direct Object

quicklyAdverb

/ He drinks quickly his coffee.

Remember!

Adverbs of manner modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs. They indicate how an action occurs or develops.

Formation of adverbs from an adjective:

Adjectives	Adverbs	Examples (adjective - adverb)
Ending in consonant plus -y	The -y is replaced by an -i plus the -ly ending	Easy	Easily
Ending in -ic	We add the ending -ally	Automatic	Automatically
Ending in -le	We keep the -L and replace the -e with the -y	Incredible	Incredibly
Ending in -L	We add -ly	General	Generally
Exceptions	No change at all	Fast	Fast
Exceptions	Complete change	Good	Well