6.17 '-ly' adverbs

Many adverbs are related to adjectives. The main relationships and rules of formation are explained below.

Many adverbs are formed by adding '-ly' to an adjective. For example, the adverbs 'quietly' and 'badly' are formed by adding '-ly' to the adjectives 'quiet' and 'bad'.

Most of the adverbs formed in this way are adverbs of manner, so some people refer to adverbs of manner as '-ly' adverbs.

• Sit there quietly, and listen to this music.
• I didn't play badly.
• He reported accurately what they said.
• He nodded and smiled warmly.