Adjectives with the –ly suffix
Forming adverbs with the –ly suffix

▪ First, let’s remember that a suffix is a set of letters that are added at the end of a word to change its
meaning or its usage.
▪ The “-ly” suffix changes an adjective into an adverb, this way we are describing how something is
done.

Let’s take a look at some quick examples

• My friend on the left image is very
timid.
• He’s timidly looking into the room

Grammar rules for the “-ly” suffix
For most adjectives simply add the suffix
“-ly” at the end of it
• Bold – Boldly
• Nice – Nicely
• Soft – Softly
• Odd - Oddly
For adjectives that end with “-y”, change
the “-y” for a “-i” then add “-ly”
• Crazy – Crazily
• Clumsy - Clumsily
• Angry – Angrily
• Happy - Happily

Grammar rules for the “-ly” suffix
For adjectives that end with “-le”, change
the “-le” for “-ly”
• Simple – Simply
• Gentle – Gently
• Humble – Humbly
• Terrible - Terribly
For adjectives that end with “-ic”, change
the “-ic” for “-al” then add “-ly”
• Basic – Basically
• Logic – Logically
• Tragic – Tragically
• Comic - Comically