Adjectives and adverbs of manner are both descriptive words, but they modify different parts of a sentence. Understanding their roles is key to clear and precise communication.
Adjectives
Definition:
Words that modify or describe nouns or pronouns. They tell us more about a person, place, thing, or idea.
What they answer:
Typically answer questions like: What kind? Which one? How many/much?
Placement:
- Usually come before the noun they modify (e.g., "the beautiful house").
- Can come after a linking verb (e.g., be, seem, feel, taste, look) when describing the subject (e.g., "The house is beautiful.").
Examples:
- A tall building (describes the noun "building")
- The game was very exciting. (describes the noun "game" via the linking verb "was")
- She has three cats. (describes the noun "cats")
- He seemed tired. (describes the pronoun "he" via the linking verb "seemed")
Manner Adverbs
Definition:
A type of adverb that describes how an action is performed. They primarily modify verbs, but can also modify adjectives or other adverbs.
What they answer:
Specifically answer the question: How?
Formation:
- Many are formed by adding "-ly" to an adjective (e.g., quick → quickly, soft → softly).
- Some are irregular (e.g., good → well, fast → fast, hard → hard).
Placement:
- Typically placed after the main verb (e.g., "He drives carefully.").
- Can be placed after the direct object (e.g., "She played the piano beautifully.").
- Sometimes placed before the verb for emphasis (e.g., "He gently woke the sleeping woman.").
Examples:
- He walked slowly. (describes *how* he walked, modifying the verb "walked")
- She sings beautifully. (describes *how* she sings, modifying the verb "sings")
- They completed the project successfully. (describes *how* they completed, modifying the verb "completed")
- He learned the language quickly. (describes *how* he learned, modifying the verb "learned")
Key Distinction Summary
| Feature |
Adjective |
Manner Adverb |
| Modifies |
Nouns or pronouns |
Verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (specifically how) |
| Answers |
What kind? Which one? How many/much? |
How? |
| Common form |
Various, often no specific ending |
Many end in "-ly" |
| Example |
"He is a quiet man." (describes "man") |
"He speaks quietly." (describes how he speaks) |
Mastering the difference between adjectives and adverbs enhances your descriptive power in English!