Adverbs of manner

Adverbs

1. The adverbs of manner

The adverbs of manner are invariable words that modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs. They indicate how an action occurs or develops.

IMG UNIT 26-1
Donald usually eats quickly.
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.
IMG UNIT 26-2
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
Angry   Angrily
Ending in -ic We add the ending -ally Tragic   Tragically
Magic   Magically
Ending in -le We keep the -L and replace the -e with the -y Horrible   Horribly
Terrible   Terribly
Ending in -L We add -ly Beautiful   Beautifully
General   Generally
Exceptions No change at all Fast   Fast
Hard   Hard
Complete change Good   Well

3. How are the adverbs of manner used?

  • Adverbs of manner are usually placed after the verb:
    IMG UNIT 26-4
    He works hard.
    IMG UNIT 26-5
    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
Complete change Good Well