Vocabulary: Word Formation & Morphology (B1) - Lesson 4: Common Suffixes for Adverbs (-ly)

Lesson 4: Common Suffixes for Adverbs (-ly)

Describing Actions

You know how to use an adjective to describe a noun (a 'beautiful' painting). But how do you describe a verb (an action)? How does someone sing? How does someone walk? Very often, we take an adjective, add the suffix1 "-ly", and create an adverb2 to describe the action.

The "Adjective + ly" Rule

The most common way to create an adverb of manner3 (an adverb that describes *how* an action is done) is to add -ly to an adjective.

Adjective (describes a noun) + ly Adverb (describes a verb) Example Sentences
quick + ly quickly He is a quick runner. ➞ He runs quickly.
slow + ly slowly It is a slow moto. ➞ The moto moves slowly.
careful + ly carefully4 She is a careful driver. ➞ She drives carefully.
loud + ly loudly The music is loud. ➞ The music is playing loudly.
quiet + ly quietly He is a quiet person. ➞ He speaks quietly.

Usage Note: Spelling Rules & An Important Irregular

  • Spelling Rule (consonant + y): If the adjective ends in '-y', change the 'y' to 'i' and add '-ly'.
    Example: happy ➞ happily; easy ➞ easily
  • Spelling Rule (-le): If the adjective ends in '-le', often you change the 'e' to 'y'.
    Example: possible ➞ possibly; terrible ➞ terribly
  • Important Irregular: The adjective is "good", but the adverb is "well5".
    "He is a good student." ➞ "He studies well." (NOT "He studies goodly.")

In Conversation

Srey asks Bora about his presentation at work.

Bora: How was your presentation, Srey?

Srey: It went well, thank you! I was nervous, but I spoke slowly and carefully.

Bora: That's great! My presentation did not go so well. I spoke too quickly.

Srey: Why? You are usually a good speaker.

Bora: I know. But the microphone was working badly, and some people in the back were talking loudly.

Srey: That's difficult. It's hard to present when people are not listening quietly.

Bora: Exactly. But I finished it happily because it was over!

quiz Check Your Understanding

1. What is the adverb form of the adjective 'careful'?

  • a) care
  • b) carefully
  • c) care-ly
Click to see the answer

Answer: b) carefully

2. He is a good cook. He cooks very ______.

  • a) good
  • b) well
  • c) goodly
Click to see the answer

Answer: b) well

3. The baby is sleeping. Please close the door ______.

  • a) loudly
  • b) quietly
  • c) quickly
Click to see the answer

Answer: b) quietly

edit Your Mission

  1. My Adverbs: In your notebook, transform these adjectives into adverbs: 1. easy ➞ ? 2. happy ➞ ? 3. safe ➞ ?.
  2. Describe an Action: Write two sentences describing how you do something. (e.g., "I always eat my breakfast quickly." "I try to listen carefully in my English class.")
  3. Speak: Your mission is to describe an action to a friend. (e.g., "He rides his moto very fast." - Note: 'fast' is also irregular! or "She sings beautifully.")

book Lesson Glossary

  1. Suffix (noun) - Khmer: បច្ច័យ - A letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its function.
  2. Adverb (noun) - Khmer: គុណកិរិយា - A word that describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
  3. Manner (noun) - Khmer: លក្ខណៈ - The way in which something is done.
  4. carefully (adverb) - Khmer: យ៉ាង​ប្រុង​ប្រយ័ត្ន - With great attention to avoid mistakes.
  5. well (adverb) - Khmer: បានល្អ - The irregular adverb form of the adjective 'good'.

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