Adverbs of Manner: Definition, Examples, List of Words

As the name suggests, the Adverbs of Manner are a type of Adverb. They describe how an action is performed. These words provide clarity and detail about actions. In other words, the Adverbs of Manner give the reader or listener more information about the action being done by the subject in a sentence. These can be identified by asking the question ‘how’. Typically, the Adverbs in Manner are formed by adding –ly to adjectives.

A few examples of Adverbs of Manner in sentences are given below:

• He finished his homework quickly
• They danced happily in yesterday’s party
• She spoke calmly while proving her point
• Rohan arranged the papers neatly on the desk
• They waited eagerly for the results of their competitive exams

According to the Macmillan Dictionary, an Adverb of Manner is “an adverb that shows how someone does something or how something happens."

For example, in the sentences ‘Drive carefully’, ‘He talks too fast’, ‘The moon shone brightly’, and ‘I accidentally deleted the file’, the Adverbs of Manner are: Carefully, Fast, Brightly, Accidentally

Definition of Adverbs of Manner according to Cambridge Dictionary

Cambridge Dictionary describes Adverbs of Manner as “the way in which something is done.”

Also Read: English Punctuation Marks

Given below is the list of Adverbs of Manner that students can use in daily conversations.

Also Read: List of Vocabulary Words

Adverbs of Manner describe how an action takes place. They give more details about the way something happens. In a way, Adverbs of Manner modify Adjectives, Verbs, and other Adverbs and answer the question “How”. One can identify an Adverb of Manner in a sentence by following the steps given below:

• First of all, check the word that is being described
• Then, ask the question ‘how’. If that word is describing how the action is being done, then it is likely an Adverb of Manner
• Also, note that many (exceptions possible) Adverb of Manner end with –ly (Example: Softly, Quickly, Cheerfully, Wisely)

Examples:

• He spoke clearly. Know the verb here. The verb in this sentence is Spoke and Clearly is the Adverb of Manner
• The baby slept peacefully. The verb in this sentence is Slept and Peacefully is the Adverb of Manner

Also Read:

• What is Paraphrasing?
• What is a Conjunction?
• What are Synonyms?
• What are Phrases?

This is how one can place Adverbs of Manner in a sentence. Additionally, the following way will help students to spot Adverbs of Manner in sentences:

• Generally, the Adverb of Manner is placed after the verb in a sentence. This keeps the focus naturally on the action itself. Example: She ran quickly, He ate my tiffin greedily, The baby cried loudly
• However, the Adverb of Manner is positioned between the subject and verb, and then the emphasis shifts on the Adverb itself. Example: He gently placed the pen near the table, They carefully examined the evidence, He silently opened the door

Some of the errors that students can make while practicing Adverbs of Manner are:

Using an Adjective instead of an Adverb

At times, one can use an Adjective to describe a Verb instead of an Adverb. In this case, ask how the action was done

• Incorrect: She behaved rude
• Correct: She behaved rudely

Redundant Use of Adverbs of Manner

Using an adverb that repeats what is already implied in the verb can be a common mistake. Some verbs express manner, so extra adverbs may not be required and can create further confusion.

• Incorrect: He shouted loudly
• Correct: He shouted

Placing the Adverb in the wrong part of the sentence

Sometimes, misplacing the adverb in the wrong part of the sentence makes it unclear. Usually, in a sentence, the Adverbs of Manner go after the verb or after the object.

• Incorrect: Reema quickly completed the test
• Correct: Reema completed the test quickly

Confusing irregular adverbs with incorrect forms

Some Adverbs of Manner do not follow the rule of –ly (at the end of the word) and may confuse the readers or listeners.

• Incorrect: She runs fastly
• Correct: She runs fast

Creating non-existent Adverbs

Adding –ly to adjectives that do not form standard adverbs can be another common error while practicing Adverbs of Manner questions

• Incorrect: She explained it friendlily
• Correct: She explained it in a friendly manner

Though it is fairly easy to recognize an Adverb of Manner in a sentence, it is fairly important to know what Adverbs of Manner are and what they describe. Given below are some of the preparation tips to understand these types of adverbs and ace their questions:

• Understand what Adverbs of Manner are: It is important to have a clear understanding of what Adverbs of Manner are and how they are important in English grammar. They usually answer how something happens.
• Know the commonly used Adverbs of Manner: One can make a list of the commonly used Adverbs of Manner and then learn them
• Check the verb in a sentence: To know where the Adverb of Manner is placed in a sentence, identify the verb before. After this, ask how the action is being performed.
• Practice: Now, after learning what is Adverb of Manner is and its concept, it is important to practice the knowledge gained. For this, practice more and more questions. Students can make it a habit to identify the Adverb of Manner while reading and writing