What are adverbs? They are a part of speech in English. They often end in “ly”.
This lesson will show you how to use adverbs correctly. When you are ready, try the two tests at the bottom of the page. You can also learn about a more specific group of adverbs, adverbs of degree.
Let’s start with some examples of adverbs.
- Slowly
- Loudly
- Quickly
You can form adverbs by adding “ly” to the adjective. Take a look at this example:
- Adjective: Quiet
- Adverb: Quietly
Here are some more examples:
- Sad — Sadly
- Slow — Slowly
Some adjectives change a little when they become adverbs. Adjectives that end in “y” need “ily”.
- Happy — Happily
- Messy — Messily
Not all adjectives have adverbs. For example, “young” does not make “youngly”.
Adverb Uses
Adverbs have two purposes: they describe verbs and adjectives.
Adverbs describe verbs.
- He ran quickly.
- She talks quietly.
- She works slowly.
They answer questions with how.
- How does he sing? He sings loudly.
Adverbs describe adjectives.
- He is very tall.
- She is extremely rich.
- She is somewhat happy.
Irregular Adverbs
Some adverbs are formed differently. Here is a list:
| Adjective | Adverb |
| Good | Well |
| Fast | Fast |
| Hard | Hard |
| Early | Early |
| Late | Late |
| High | High |
| Low | Low |