Manner adverbs tell us how an action happens.

The idea

A manner adverb often follows a verb with no direct object. If there is a direct object, it usually follows the object: opened the parcel carefully. It can also come before the main verb in some contexts.

Examples

  • The baby slept quietly.
  • She opened the parcel carefully.
  • They crossed the bridge slowly.
  • The dog waited patiently.
  • We packed the glasses carefully.
  • He closed the gate quietly.

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Watch out

Avoid putting a manner adverb between a verb and its direct object: opened carefully the parcel is unnatural.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the natural word order. The visitors ___. (spoke quietly / spoke quiet)

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    spoke quietly

    spoke quietly puts the adverb after the verb; there is no direct object.

  2. Choose the natural word order. The child ___. (carried the bowl carefully / carried carefully the bowl)

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    carried the bowl carefully

    carried the bowl carefully keeps the verb next to its object.

  3. Choose the natural word order. She ___. (folded the blanket neatly / folded neatly the blanket)

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    folded the blanket neatly

    folded the blanket neatly places the adverb after the whole object.

Use it today

Describe two everyday actions, one with an object and one without. Add a manner adverb to each.