Basic Grammar Step by Step Second Edition
Mary W. Ng
Chapter 8
Adverbs
An action verb tells us about an action. An adverb tells how, when, where, how often or to what degree an action happens. We say that the adverb modifies the action verb.
| She sings sweetly. | (how she sings) |
| The baby slept early. | (when the baby slept) |
| Jane looked up. | (where Jane looked) |
| Vera seldom cries. | (how often Vera cries) |
| I nearly slipped. | (to what degree I slipped) |
Many adverbs are formed by adding ly to the corresponding adjectives.
| Adjective | Adverb |
|---|---|
| quick | quickly |
| loud | loudly |
| soft | softly |
Here are some spelling rules for adverb formation:
- For most adjectives that end in y, change the y to
i and add ly.
Adjective Adverb happy happily angry angrily Some Exceptions:
Adjective Adverb shy shyly sly slyly coy coyly - For most adjectives ending in a consonant plus le, drop the
e and add y.
Adjective Adverb simple simply horrible horribly - For most adjectives ending in ic, add ally.
Adjective Adverb frantic frantically terrific terrifically
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