Manner Adverbs
Adverbs of manner tell us how something happens and they stick closely to the verb they modify. This guide goes over common adverbs, placement rules, and useful expressions so you can describe actions in vivid detail.
Common Adverbs
Manner adverbs often end in -ly in English and they describe the way an action is performed. Familiar adverbs include quickly, carefully, loudly, and gracefully.
| Adverb | Adverb |
|---|---|
| quickly | slowly |
| carefully | carelessly |
| loudly | quietly |
| smoothly | awkwardly |
| gladly | reluctantly |
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🧑🍳 He chopped the vegetables finely to mix into the sauce. | He chopped the vegetables into very small pieces to mix into the sauce. |
| 🔥 She grilled the chicken slowly over low heat. | She cooked the chicken slowly over low heat on the grill. |
| 🥣 I stirred the soup gently to avoid spilling. | I stirred the soup carefully to avoid spilling. |
| 🌶️ They seasoned the stew heavily with spices. | They added a large amount of spices to the stew. |
| 🍞 The dough was kneaded thoroughly before rising. | The dough was kneaded very well before rising. |
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Placement
Manner adverbs usually come right after the verb they modify, or after the object if there is one. Placing the adverb at the end of the sentence gives a natural emphasis to how the action was done.
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| She carefully folded the napkins before setting the table. | She folded the napkins with care before setting the table. |
| They quickly packed the picnic basket. | They packed the picnic basket quickly. |
| I have always enjoyed cooking with fresh herbs. | I have enjoyed cooking with fresh herbs always. (less common) |
| The chef spoke loudly to be heard over the noise. | The chef spoke loudly to be heard over the noise. |
Expressions
Fixed expressions and adverbial phrases can add color and precision to manner descriptions. Phrases like in a hurry, with care, and at lightning speed function like adverbs and can be moved for emphasis.
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| in a hurry | quickly and with urgency |
| with care | carefully |
| at lightning speed | very very fast |
| in slow motion | very slowly |
| with grace | gracefully |
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| He cooked the sauce from scratch. | He made the sauce completely by himself. |
| She tossed the salad with a light dressing. | She mixed the salad using a small amount of dressing. |
| They served the dessert family-style. | They put the dessert on the table for everyone to share. |
| The soup was simmering gently on the stove. | The soup was cooking slowly with small bubbles. |
| He finished plating quickly to start the next order. | He arranged the food on plates fast to begin the next order. |
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Summary
Manner adverbs answer how an action is performed and they typically follow the verb or the object. Learn common adverbs and set phrases to describe actions vividly and naturally.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025