Manner adverbs tell us how something is done. They give more information about the action by describing the way, style, or method of the action. They often end in -ly, but not always.
Manner adverbs usually come after the verb or at the end of the sentence.
Examples:
- She sings beautifully. (How does she sing? Beautifully)
- He finished the work quickly. (How did he finish? Quickly)
- They spoke softly. (How did they speak? Softly)
Common Manner Adverbs
Here are some examples of manner adverbs:
| Manner Adverb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| quickly | He ran quickly to catch the bus. |
| slowly | Please speak slowly. |
| carefully | She packed the box carefully. |
| loudly | The children shouted loudly. |
| quietly | He entered the room quietly. |
| well | She plays the piano well. |
| badly | He performed badly on the test. |
Note: Not all manner adverbs end in -ly. Some common ones include well, fast, hard, and late.
Position in a Sentence
- After the verb:
- She wrote neatly.
- He drives carefully.
- At the end of the sentence:
- They answered politely.
- I completed the task quickly.
- After the object (if there is one):
- She closed the door quietly.
- He read the book thoroughly.
Using Manner Adverbs with Be and Other Verbs
- When used with be, manner adverbs usually come after the verb:
- She is quickly ready. (Less common)
- He is carefully checking the results. (More common with verbs following be)
- With auxiliary or modal verbs, place the manner adverb after the main verb:
- She can easily solve the problem.
- They will quickly finish the project.
Where does a manner adverb go when used with auxiliary or modal verbs?
After the main verb
With auxiliary or modal verbs, place the manner adverb immediately after the main verb (e.g., 'She can easily solve').
Summary
Manner adverbs are words that describe how an action is performed. They add detail and help make your sentences more precise and interesting. Remember to place them after the verb, at the end of the sentence, or after the object. Most manner adverbs end in -ly, but some do not.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
