Forming adverbs from adjectives
Test your knowledgeIn most cases, an adverb is formed by adding -ly to an adjective
| Adjective | Adverb |
|---|---|
| cheap | cheaply |
| quick | quickly |
| slow | slowly |
If the adjective ends in -y, replace the y with i and add -ly
| Adjective | Adverb |
|---|---|
| easy | easily |
| angry | angrily |
| happy | happily |
| lucky | luckily |
If the adjective ends in -able, -ible, or -le, replace the -e with -y.
| Adjective | Adverb |
|---|---|
| probable | probably |
| terrible | terribly |
| gentle | gently |
If the adjective ends in -ic, add -ally. Exception: public -> publicly
| Adjective | Adverb |
|---|---|
| basic | basically |
| tragic | tragically |
| economic | economically |
Some adverbs have the same form as the adjective: early, fast, hard, high, late, near, straight, & wrong
Examples
- It is a fast car.
- He drives very fast.
- This is a hard exercise.
- He works hard.
- We saw many high buildings.
- The bird flew high in the sky.
Well is the adverb that corresponds to the adjective good.
Examples
- He is a good student.
- He studies well.
- She is a good pianist.
- She plays the piano well.
- They are good swimmers.
- They swim well.