Lesson

Quickly/badly/suddenly

Basic adverb usage

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Quickly, badly, suddenly — adverbs of manner

Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed. They answer the question 'how?'. 'Quickly', 'badly' and 'suddenly' are common manner adverbs used in business and everyday English.

  • They modify verbs: e.g. She typed quickly.
  • Many are formed by adding -ly to an adjective (quick → quickly).
  • Some adverbs come from irregular adjectives (bad → badly).
  • Position usually: after the main verb or after the object; sometimes at the start for emphasis (suddenly).

Table

Adverbs of manner — examples

Adverb Formation Meaning Example
quickly quick + -ly at high speed; rapidly The team completed the task quickly.
badly irregular (bad → badly) in a poor or unsatisfactory way He handled the complaint badly and lost the client.
suddenly sudden + -ly happening without warning The projector stopped suddenly during the presentation.

Tip

Key rule — placement and form

Form and placement of manner adverbs:

  • Form: many adverbs add -ly to an adjective (quick → quickly). Some are irregular (bad → badly).
  • Placement: usually after the main verb or after the object (She writes quickly; She writes reports quickly).
  • Emphasis: place at the beginning for emphasis or narrative (Suddenly, the call ended).

Remember: adverbs of manner usually modify verbs and answer 'how?'

Example

Examples in context

The team finished the report quickly.

He handled the client's request badly and apologized later.

The lights went out suddenly during the presentation.

She answered the urgent email quickly and set up a meeting.

Tip

Common mistakes

Typical errors learners make with manner adverbs:

  • Using the adjective instead of the adverb: He runs quick. → He runs quickly.
  • Placing the adverb in the wrong position: She quickly has finished (awkward) → She has quickly finished or She finished quickly.
  • Confusing sudden (adjective) and suddenly (adverb): The change was suddenly. (wrong) → The change happened suddenly.
  • Using double -ly forms or wrong endings: badlyly (incorrect).

If in doubt, use the -ly form for the adverb and place it after the verb or object.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Use the adverb form of 'bad'.

Quiz

Complete: The CEO ___ (suddenly) ___ the meeting when he received the call. (stop)

Hint: Adverb + past simple

Quiz

Where is an adverb of manner usually placed?

Hint: Think: How did they do it?

Key Points

Vocabulary

quickly

adverb CEFR A2 //ˈkwɪkli//

at a fast speed; rapidly

Please respond quickly to customer inquiries.

Vocabulary

badly

adverb CEFR A2 //ˈbædli//

in a poor or unsatisfactory way

If you present badly, the client may lose confidence.

Vocabulary

suddenly

adverb CEFR B1 //ˈsʌdənli//

happening quickly and unexpectedly

The meeting ended suddenly when the call came in.

GrammarPoint

adverb of manner

grammar_point CEFR B1 //ˈædvɜːrb əv ˈmænər//

an adverb that describes how an action is performed

Manner adverbs answer the question 'How?' — e.g., she spoke politely.

Expression

bad → badly (formation)

expression CEFR A2 //bæd/ → /ˈbædli//

example of an irregular adjective-to-adverb transformation

Remember: 'bad' (adj) becomes 'badly' (adv) when modifying a verb.