Dott.ssa Barbara Meloni Adverbs formation Dott.ssa Barbara Meloni

Adverbs formation An adverb describes the action of a verb. It answers such questions as “where”, “when”, “how”, “how long”, “how much” or “how often”. Adverbs are invariable (never change ) and can be used with almost all verbs. For example: Edward cooks well. John eats a lot

An adverb can also qualify an adjective or another adverb. Adverbs formation An adverb can also qualify an adjective or another adverb.

Adverbs formation Common adverbs include:

Time or frequency: often, sometimes, always Adverbs formation Adverbs of manner: well, badly, quickly Time or frequency: often, sometimes, always Place: there, here, inside, outside Quantity or degree: a lot, very, too much Sequence: at first, then, so, next

Formation of adverbs How are adverbs formed?

Rules 1. In most cases, an adverb is formed adding –ly to the adjective: Cheap- cheaply Quick- quickly Slow- slowly

Rules Examples: Time goes quickly. He walked slowly to the door.

If the adjective ends in y, change y into i and add ly: happy- happily easy- easily

If the adjective ends in –able, -ible or –le, change the e with y: probable - probably terrible – terribly simple- simply

If the adjective ends in – ic, add al + ly: economic- economically basic- basically

Exception: public – publicly

2. Some adverbs have the same form as the adjective: early late fast hard high near straight wrong

Examples: This is a fast car. He drives very fast.

Well is the adverb that corresponds to the adjective good. 3. “ Well” and “good” Well is the adverb that corresponds to the adjective good. He is a good student. He studies very well.