Making Adverbs from Adjectives: Check Rules, Examples, and More

Did you know deriving a new part of speech from another with the help of affixes has flourished in every period of English language history? One such popular form in this derivation process is making adverbs from adjectives. When adjectives help to highlight the qualities of nouns or subjects; adverbs add more specification (‘when’, ‘where’, ‘why’, and ‘how’) regarding an action within a sentence. However, you must learn their rules and exceptions before forming adverbs from adjectives. Therefore, this blog will guide you through the rules, exceptions and more for developing a new adverb with the help of adjectives. 

What are Adjectives and Adverbs? 

Before learning how to make adverbs from adjectives, it is essential to understand the basic difference between these two parts of speech. Adjectives modify or describe nouns and pronouns, adding details about their qualities or characteristics. On the other hand, adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing information about how, when, or to what extent an action is performed. Take a look at the examples below to spot basic differences between the two. 

• Quick [Adjective]

Quickly [Adverb]

• Careful [Adjective]

Carefully [Adverb]

Also Read

Adjectives and Adverbs with Meanings	Deciphering the Difference: Adjective vs. Adverb
Noun, Verb, Adjective, & Adverb	Adverb and Verb

How to Make Adverbs from Adjectives?

Now, let us learn how many adverbs come directly from their adjective counterparts. Check the following breakdown of the rules to transform adjectives into adverbs with examples for easy learning:

1️⃣ Adding ‘-ly’

This is the most common way to turn adjectives into adverbs. Simply add “-ly” to the end of the adjective.

Adjective	Adverb
Slow	Slowly
Cheap	Cheaply
Profound	Profoundly
Love	Lovely

2️⃣ Replacing ‘-e’ with ‘-y’

For adjectives ending in “-able”, “-le”, “-ible”, or “-e,” replace the “-e” with “-y”.

Adjective	Adverb
Gentle	Gently
Probable	Probably
Terrible	Terribly
Simple	Simply
Subtle	Subtly

3️⃣ Replace ‘-y’ with ‘-ily’

Substitute “-y” with “-ily” for adjectives that end in “-y” to form adverbs.

Adjective	Adverb
Easy	Easily
Happy	Happily
Noisy	Noisily
Busy	Busily
Heavy	Heavily

4️⃣ Add ‘-ally’ for adjectives ending with ‘-ic’

Adjective	Adverb
Basic	Basically
Fantastic	Fantastically
Economic	Economically
Dramatic	Dramatically
Romantic	Romantically

Making Adverbs from Adjectives – Exceptions

There are also some exceptions in the making of adverbs from adjectives. Take a look at the table below and try to come up with as many exceptions as possible for a better understanding.

Adjective	Adverb
Good	Well
Fast	Fast
Hard	Hard
Late	Late
Near	Near

Examples of Making Adverbs from Adjectives in Sentences

If in case there is still scope for some doubt, go through the following example sentences to observe the usage of adverbs after their transformation from adjectives:

Adjective	Adverb from Adjective Example Sentences
Happy	The children played happily in the park.
Careful	She wrapped the gift carefully to avoid damaging it.
Quiet	The library was very quiet as everyone focused on reading.
Loud	The music blared loudly from the speakers.
Slowly	The injured turtle moved slowly across the path.
Angrily	The man shouted angrily at the driver who cut him off.
Polite	The customer service representative spoke politely to the frustrated caller.
Clear	The teacher explained the instructions clearly so everyone understood.
Sudden	The door opened suddenly, startling everyone in the room.
Confident	The athlete walked onto the field confidently, ready to compete.

Find more Exciting Reads on Adverbs Below!

Adverb of Affirmation	Comparative Vs Superlative Adverbs
Guide on Relative Adverbs	What are Adverbs for Reason/Purpose?
Difference Between Adverbs and Prepositions	Adjectives and Adverbs

This was all about making adverbs from adjectives with rules and examples through the lens of pictorial representation. Hopefully, you found it excitingly helpful and informative. For more such informative reads, stay tuned to Leverage Edu!