Manner adverbs in French (les adverbes de manière) tell us how something is done. They are often formed by adding -ment to the feminine form of an adjective, and they usually come right after the verb they modify.
- Describe the way an action is performed.
- Most end in -ment (similar to -ly in English).
- Typically placed after the verb in a sentence.
Manner adverbs describe how an action is done, providing information about the mode or style of the verb.
Manner adverbs in French typically end in -ment, follow the verb, and describe how an action is done.
Formation
To make most adjectives into manner adverbs, use the feminine form + -ment:
| Adjective (m) | Adjective (f) | Adverb | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lent | Lente | Lentement | Slowly |
| Sûr | Sûre | Sûrement | Surely |
| Heureux | Heureuse | Heureusement | Happily |
Exceptions:
- If the adjective ends in -ant or -ent, replace with -amment or -emment (e.g., constant → constamment).
- Some common adverbs are irregular (e.g., bon → bien).
- Use the feminine adjective + -ment for most (>easy rule).
- -ant / -ent adjectives become -amment / -emment.
- Some adverbs don't follow the pattern (bien, vite).
For most adjectives, the adverb is formed by adding -ment to the feminine form of the adjective.
Adverbs formed from adjectives are correct as: Heureusement, Lentement, Sûrement, and Constantement.
Usage and Placement
Manner adverbs usually follow the verb they modify:
- Elle chante bien. (She sings well.)
- Il travaille lentement. (He works slowly.)
With compound verbs, the adverb goes after the auxiliary:
- Elle a parlé clairement. (She spoke clearly.)
- After the main verb in simple tenses.
- After the auxiliary verb in compound tenses.
Manner adverbs are placed after the verb, or after the auxiliary in compound tenses.
In compound tenses, manner adverbs are placed after the auxiliary verb.
Manner adverbs are placed immediately after the verb in simple tense sentences.
Common Manner Adverbs
| Adverb | Root Adj. | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lentement | Lent(e) | Slowly |
| Rapidement | Rapide | Quickly |
| Heureusement | Heureux/heureuse | Happily |
| Sûrement | Sûr/sûre | Surely |
| Doucement | Doux/douce | Gently |
| Clairement | Clair/claire | Clearly |
| Fréquemment | Fréquent(e) | Frequently |
| Facilement | Facile | Easily |
- Most end in -ment.
- Describe the exact manner of the action.
Lentement, Heureusement, Rapidement, and Doucement are correct; 'Beaucoupment' is not.
Most manner adverbs end in -ment, but some like 'bien' are exceptions.
Exceptions & Irregulars
- As mentioned, adjectives ending -ant / -ent → -amment / -emment (brillant → brillamment).
- Some common exceptions: bien (well), vite (fast), mal (badly).
| Adjective | Adverb | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Bon | Bien | Well |
| Mauvais | Mal | Badly |
| Rapide | Vite* | Fast |
Note: Vite can also function as an adverb of manner, but is irregular compared to rapide → rapidement.
The irregular adverbs of manner include bien, mal, and vite.
The irregular adverbs are Bien, Mal, and Vite.
Conclusion
Manner adverbs are key to expressing how actions are performed in French, with most formed systematically from adjectives.
- Attach -ment to feminine adjectives for most manner adverbs.
- Place adverbs immediately after the verb (or auxiliary in compound tenses).
- Watch for exceptions like bien, mal, and vite.