Introduction
Adjectives and adverbs are important parts of speech in the English language. While adjectives describe or modify nouns, adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. In this article, we will explore how most adjectives can be changed into adverbs.
Adding the Suffix -ly
One of the most common ways to change an adjective into an adverb is by adding the suffix -ly. This suffix is used to form adverbs from adjectives, indicating how an action is performed.
- Example: Slow (adjective) becomes slowly (adverb)
- Example: Quick (adjective) becomes quickly (adverb)
Irregular Adverbs
While adding the -ly suffix is a general rule, there are some adjectives that have irregular forms when changed into adverbs. These adverbs do not follow the typical pattern.
- Example: Good (adjective) becomes well (adverb)
- Example: Fast (adjective) becomes fast (adverb)
Adjectives Ending in -y
When an adjective ends in -y, the -y is usually changed to -ily before adding the -ly suffix to form the adverb.
- Example: Happy (adjective) becomes happily (adverb)
- Example: Easy (adjective) becomes easily (adverb)
Adjectives Ending in -ic
Adjectives ending in -ic usually form their adverbs by adding -ally to the base form of the adjective.
- Example: Fantastic (adjective) becomes fantastically (adverb)
- Example: Romantic (adjective) becomes romantically (adverb)
Adjectives Ending in -ble and -e
Adjectives ending in -ble often change to -bly when forming adverbs. Adjectives ending in -e typically just add the suffix -ly to become adverbs.
- Example: Probable (adjective) becomes probably (adverb)
- Example: Late (adjective) becomes lately (adverb)
Comparative and Superlative Adverbs
Similar to adjectives, adverbs also have comparative and superlative forms to indicate degrees of comparison. Adverbs can be changed to comparative or superlative forms by adding -er or -est.
- Example: Slowly (adverb) becomes more slowly (comparative) or most slowly (superlative)
- Example: Quickly (adverb) becomes more quickly (comparative) or most quickly (superlative)
Conclusion
Understanding how most adjectives are changed into adverbs is essential for improving your English language skills. By following the rules and patterns discussed in this article, you can confidently use adverbs in your writing and communication.