#78 - Adverbs of Manner - English Grammar

Adverbs of manner indicate how something happens or happened. They are usually placed after the main verb or the object. They cannot be placed between the verb and the object. The placement of the adverb can change the meaning of the sentence.

Adverbs of Manner

They are usually placed after the main verb or the object. They cannot be placed between the verb and the object.

We walked quickly.
She talked softly in my ear.
The baseball team performed badly tonight.
She sings beautifully.
He waited calmly for the news.
Please drive carefully.
I need you to speak clearly.
He passed the test easily.
He drives fast.
She hit the ball powerfully with the bat.

Adverbs of Manner

Sometimes an adverb of manner is placed before the main verb. This is done to emphasize the manner of the how something happened.

He kindly asked for a napkin.
She gently touched the baby's cheek.
They quickly found their seats.
She loudly called for her son.
She silently cried during the wedding ceremony.

Adverbs of Manner

The placement of the adverb can change the meaning of the sentence.

Adverbs of Manner Placement	Meaning of the Sentence
She quietly told me to sit down. She told me to sit down quietly.	Spoke to her quietly Sit down quietly
He quickly told us to find our seats. He told us to find our seats quickly.	Spoke to them quickly Find seats quickly
They immediately asked the protestors to leave. They asked the protestors to leave immediately.	Spoke to them immediately Asked them to leave immediately