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