Grammar: Word classes: Adverbs

Expressing how / when / where

Adverbs of manner

We can use adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is done.

The ghost slipped easily through Bozo's arms.
She quickly called her grandchildren.
Grandma solved the problem well.

Many adverbs of manner end in -ly. Here is a list of common -ly adverbs of manner:

There are, of course, several manner adverbs that do not have the -ly ending, such as fast and well.

Adverbs of manner play an important role in narratives and recounts, where they help to make the text more vivid for the reader. They are commonly found with doing verbs. Have a look at these examples from the novel Anne of Green Gables:

She dresses beautifully.
I was shocked. I cried bitterly. 
"Oh, no." Anne shook her head gently. "I'm not going back."
She jumped up hurriedly.
Mrs Barry smiled kindly at the two little girls.
I wanted you to behave nicely to Mrs Lynde.
Marilla turned quickly away.
"Go back and sit down quietly.
Marilla went slowly down to the kitchen.
He softly closed the door and tiptoed over to her.
Anne worked hard and steadily.

We also find them with reporting verbs. This gives the reader an idea of how the words were said and of the character's feelings:

"Don't cry, Di," said Anne cheerily.
"I'd do almost anything in the world for you, Diana," said Anne sadly.
"I'm glad," said Anne quickly.
"I'm sorry I was late," he said shyly.
"Did you touch it?" said Marilla sternly.
"Anne Shirley, what does this mean?" he said angrily.
"Yes - no - I don't know," said Marilla wearily.
"Ruby, you shouldn't talk about Mrs Lynde," said Anne severely.
"No," she said coldly, "I shall never be friends with you, Gilbert Blythe; and I don't want to be!"
"Will you please call me Cordelia?" she said eagerly.
"Oh, Marilla," she said gravely. "I don't think we can do anything for him."
"I am very sorry I can't," said Anne firmly.
"Oh, I can carry it," the child responded cheerfully. "It isn't heavy."
"I can't go through the Haunted Wood, Marilla," cried Anne desperately.
"How is your mother?" inquired Anne politely
"What do you want?" she said stiffly.

We can also use prepositional phrases to describe manner. Often the prepositional phrase takes the form of 'in a ... way' (eg in a careful way) or 'with a ...' (eg with a laugh).

To try an activity using manner adverbs, click here:

For more information on using adverb groups to describe manner, see 

Grammar: Groups & phrases: Adverb group: Expressing how / when / where 

For more information on using prepositional phrases to describe manner, see 

Grammar: Groups & phrases: Prepositional phrases: Expressing how / when / where / why: Expressing 'manner' 

For a PrimeTeach teaching activity which provides KS2 students with practice in using adverbs to describe how things move, see:

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