Adverb Formation. English grammar with exercises. Free eBook and Free printable PDF. English ESL Worksheets

Adverb Formation



Adverb Formation

Most adverbs are formed by adding -ly to the end of the related adjective.

slow slowly 
clever cleverly 
annual annually 

Exceptionally, words which end in -ble drop off the -e before -ly is added. So do the words true and due.

sensible sensibly 
suitable suitably 
true truly 
due duly 

A common spelling mistake is to add -ley. This mistake is often made when the adjective ends in the letter -e. Note the correct spelling of adverbs formed from adjectives ending in -e.

extreme extremely 
divine divinely 
free freely 

Adjectives that end in -y change to -i before adding -ly, unless, like sly or dry, they have only one syllable.

happy happily 
greedy greedily 
sly slyly 

Adverb Formation

EXERCISE 1.

Change the following adjectives into adverbs.

BraveBravely
Slow 
Kind 
Serious 
Careful 
Bad 
Perfect 
Fluent 
Reasonable 
Terrible 

EXERCISE 2.

Using the adverbs above now complete the following sentences.

Example:

The fireman bravely entered the burning building.

  1. No-one was __________ injured in the accident.
  2. He __________ gave him some help.
  3. They __________ carried the Ming vase upstairs.
  4. He hadn’t studied. He did __________ in his exams.
  5. It’s not expensive, in fact it’s __________ cheap.
  6. Louise drove __________ along the lane as it was raining.
  7. His girlfriend left him, he is __________ upset.
  8. She speaks four languages __________.
  9. She __________ put the cup over the spider.
  10. When you’ve finished you will be able to speak English __________.
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