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Adverbs of manner
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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.
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.
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:
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 |
| Complete change | Good | Well | |