Adverbs of manner are key to fluent and descriptive English. They answer the question “how?” and bring clarity and detail to your sentences, transforming simple actions into vivid descriptions. This guide provides everything you need to master them, from basic rules to extensive examples, making it an essential resource for students and professionals alike.
Introduction
In the intricate tapestry of the English language, Adverbs of manner serve as the fine threads that add texture and precision to our communication. They are the words that modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs to describe how an action is performed. Understanding and using them correctly is not just a academic exercise but a practical skill that can elevate your writing and speaking, making it more engaging and exact. This article is your comprehensive resource for mastering Adverbs of manner, complete with rules, tips, and an extensive list of examples.
What are Adverbs of Manner?
Adverbs of manner describe the way or how something is done. They provide more information about the verb in a sentence. Typically, they are formed by adding “-ly” to an adjective (e.g., quick -> quickly, happy -> happily). However, there are important exceptions, which we will cover in the tips section.
100 Examples of Adverbs of Manner
- quickly
- slowly
- carefully
- carelessly
- effortlessly
- anxiously
- badly
- beautifully
- well
- bravely
- calmly
- loudly
- politely
- powerfully
- nervously
- patiently
- perfectly
- cheerfully
- correctly
- dangerously
- deliberately
- eagerly
- elegantly
- enthusiastically
- equally
- eventually
- exactly
- faithfully
- fast
- fiercely
- fondly
- foolishly
- generously
- gently
- gracefully
- greedily
- happily
- hard
- hastily
- honestly
- hungrily
- hurriedly
- innocently
- jealously
- joyfully
- justly
- kindly
- lazily
- lightly
- lovingly
- loudly
- madly
- merrily
- mortally
- mysteriously
- neatly
- nervously
- noisily
- obediently
- openly
- painfully
- patiently
- perfectly
- politely
- poorly
- powerfully
- promptly
- punctually
- quietly
- rapidly
- rarely
- really
- recklessly
- regularly
- reluctantly
- repeatedly
- rightly
- roughly
- rudely
- sadly
- safely
- selfishly
- sensibly
- sharply
- shyly
- silently
- sleepily
- slowly
- smoothly
- so
- softly
- solemnly
- speedily
- stealthily
- sternly
- stupidly
- successfully
- suddenly
- surprisingly
- swiftly
Important Tips for Using Adverbs of Manner
- The “-ly” Rule and Exceptions: While adding “-ly” is the standard, watch out for adjectives ending in ‘-y’ (change ‘y’ to ‘i’ and add ‘-ly’, e.g., happy -> happily) and ‘-le’ (replace ‘-le’ with ‘-ly’, e.g., gentle -> gently). Some adverbs have the same form as their adjective counterparts (e.g., fast, hard, late, early).
- Placement is Key: The typical position for an adverb of manner is after the main verb or after its object.
- She sang beautifully. (after the verb)
- He opened the door quietly. (after the object)
- To add emphasis, you can place the adverb at the beginning of the sentence: “Quickly, she finished the test.”
- Avoid the “Very” Trap: Instead of using “very” with a weak adjective (e.g., very quick), use a stronger adverb of manner (e.g., incredibly quickly, remarkably fast) for more impactful writing.
- Good vs. Well: A common error. ‘Good’ is an adjective. ‘Well’ is the adverb of manner. (Incorrect: He plays good. Correct: He plays well.)
- For Competitive Exams: Focus on error spotting questions related to the misuse of adjectives vs. adverbs (e.g., “She runs quick” is wrong) and the correct placement of adverbs in a sentence.
FAQs on Adverbs of Manner
Q1: Can an adverb of manner be placed at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, for stylistic emphasis or to highlight the action’s manner, an adverb of manner can be placed at the beginning. Example: “Silently, the cat crept towards the bird.”
Q2: What is the difference between ‘hard’ and ‘hardly’?
‘Hard’ is an adverb of manner meaning “with great effort” (e.g., He works hard). ‘Hardly’ is an adverb of frequency meaning “almost not” (e.g., She hardly ever calls). They are often confused but have very different meanings.
Q3: How do I form an adverb from an adjective ending in ‘-ic’?
For adjectives ending in ‘-ic’, you typically add ‘-ally’ (not just ‘-ly’). Example: basic -> basically, tragic -> tragically, economic -> economically.
Conclusion
Mastering Adverbs of manner is a fundamental step toward achieving proficiency in English. They are indispensable tools for adding color, depth, and precision to your language. By understanding their formation, correct placement, and common pitfalls, you can significantly improve both your written and spoken communication. Use this guide and the extensive list of examples as a reference to confidently use Adverbs of manner in all your future endeavors.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational purposes. Grammar rules can have exceptions and may evolve. For authoritative sources, please refer to established style guides and grammar textbooks.
Also Read: Mastering Adjective Clauses: The Key to Sophisticated English Writing