Many adjectives can be transformed into adverbs. In most cases, we do
this by simply adding -ly to the end of the adjective.
Here are some examples:
suddenly
brightly
slowly
mysteriously
really
interestingly
politely
kindly
generously
calmly
nervously
generally
2. Adjectives ending in -y
Fred looked hungrily
at his big ice cream cone.
When the adjective you want to make into an adverb ends in -y, you must change
the y to an
i, then add -ly.
Here are some common examples:
happily
angrily
clumsily
lazily
hastily
messily
readily
stealthily
cozily
3. Adjectives that end in -le
Marlene is sitting comfortably
in her favorite chair.
When the adjective ends in -le,
remove the e
and replace it with a y.
For example:
terribly
incredibly
adorably
acceptably
understandably
noticeably
recognizably
predictably
suitably
remarkably
4. Comparative and superlative adverbs
Dave's car is moving more slowly
than Ethan's car.
Finally, when you want to form a comparative
or a superlative adverb,
you should add "more" before the adverb to make it comparative, and
"most" to make it superlative.
For example:
Correct: Paul spoke more politely than Erica. Incorrect: Paul spoke politelier than Erica.
Correct: I saw the most amazingly beautiful film yesterday! Incorrect: I saw the amazingliest beautiful film yesterday!
Remember that the adverb well
is irregular. Its comparative form is better, and its
superlative form is best.
Correct: Mark did better on the test than I did, but Amanda did the best. Incorrect: Mark did more well on the test than I did, but Amanda did the most well.
Review
So, let's review what we have learned about forming adverbs in English:
Most adjectives that can be transformed into adverbs simply
need -ly
added to the end.
If the adjective ends in -y, you must change
the y to i, then add -ly.
If the adjective ends in -le, you should
remove the e
and add -y.
To form a comparative adverb, add "more" before it. To make
it superlative, add "most." Remember that the adverb "well" is
irregular.