Adverbs modify adjectives, verbs, other adverbs, and even entire sentences, describing how something is done or how something is the way it is. Previously, we have looked at adverbs of frequency, which denote how often something occurs. Today, we'll look at adverbs of manner, which help us express how an action occurs. Most adverbs of manner end in "-ly" or "-ily."

banner6 PLACEHOLDER

The adjectives "quick," "desperate," and "accurate" may be familiar to you. But here, what is being described is not a person or thing, but instead the verbs "to clear," "to try," and "to represent."

And the skies above the canyon quickly clear again.

Caption 34, America's National Parks: Grand Canyon

 Play Caption

The royal couple tried desperately to wake her.

Caption 39, Fairy Tales: Sleeping Beauty

 Play Caption

Did you know that according to a survey, over sixty percent of employers don't think CVs represent applicants accurately?

Captions 47-49, Business Life: Curriculum Vitae

 Play Caption

You may have noticed that adjectives that end with an "-e" simply get the "-ly" tacked onto the end anyway. This is also the case with adjectives that end in "-ful" or "-less."

English speakers like to greet each other by cheerfully stating the time of day.

Captions 14-15, English with Annette O'Neil: Ways to Say Hello

 Play Caption

As you can see, it's very beautifully decorated.

Caption 8, Christmas in London: Places

 Play Caption

It can walk on almost every terrain effortlessly.

Caption 8, Evolution: On Land

 Play Caption

Seasons moving endlessly.

Caption 25, Justin James: A Beautiful Life

 Play Caption

When an adjective ends with a "-y," like "happy" or "easy," it's customary to replace it with "-ily" in the adverb form. Let's have a look: 

Rapunzel happily accepted this handsome prince's proposal.

Caption 34, Fairy Tales: Rapunzel

 Play Caption

This red deer is not red at all, and will be easily singled out by predators.

Caption 50, BBC Planet: Wild Alien Animals

 Play Caption

Further Learning
You can find many adverbs on Yabla English to see them used in a variety of different contexts. You can also write a list of ten adjectives and look up their related adverb.