The suffix “-ly” is one of the most common suffixes in the English language, and it is used to form adverbs from adjectives. Words that end in “-ly” are often descriptive and help modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing more detail about how an action is performed or how something is done.
In this article, we’ll explore the significance of words ending in “-ly,” their grammatical roles, and provide examples of common words with this suffix.
The Role of the Suffix “-ly”
The suffix “-ly” typically turns adjectives into adverbs, allowing them to describe how or in what manner an action occurs. For example, the adjective “quick” becomes “quickly,” turning it into an adverb that describes how something is done (i.e., in a quick manner).
In addition to transforming adjectives into adverbs, the “-ly” suffix can also be added to some nouns to form adjectives, though this is less common.
Examples of Adverbs Ending in “-ly”
Adverbs that end in “-ly” are some of the most common types of adverbs in English. These words describe actions and often answer the question “How?” or “In what manner?”
Here are some common examples:
- Quickly – She ran quickly to catch the bus.
- Slowly – The car moved slowly through the traffic.
- Carefully – Please handle the glass carefully.
- Easily – He solved the puzzle easily.
- Happily – They lived happily ever after.
- Loudly – She spoke loudly so everyone could hear.
- Angrily – He slammed the door angrily.
- Quietly – He whispered quietly to avoid waking anyone.
- Gracefully – The dancer moved gracefully across the stage.
- Suddenly – The lights went out suddenly.
These adverbs can modify verbs (e.g., “ran quickly”), adjectives (e.g., “a very quickly moving car”), or other adverbs (e.g., “speaking more loudly”).
Examples of Adjectives Ending in “-ly”
In some cases, words that end in “-ly” can be adjectives as well. While these words do not describe how actions are done, they describe the qualities or characteristics of nouns. For example, the word “friendly” describes the nature of a person, while “lonely” describes a state of being.
Here are a few examples:
- Friendly – She is a friendly person.
- Lovely – What a lovely dress!
- Lonely – He felt lonely in the big city.
- Ugly – The house looked ugly after the storm.
- Family – They had a family reunion.
- Hourly – The hourly rates are different for each worker.
- Deadly – The snake is known for its deadly venom.
- Manly – The manly gesture impressed everyone.
- Costly – The costly mistake affected the company’s profits.
- Comely – She had a comely appearance.
These adjectives describe the characteristics of the subject, and they can help convey a clearer understanding of the noun they modify.
The Function of Adverbs and Adjectives Ending in “-ly”
Adverbs Ending in “-ly”
- Purpose: These adverbs describe how, when, where, or to what extent an action occurs.
- Example: “She sings beautifully.” (The adverb “beautifully” tells us how she sings.)
Adjectives Ending in “-ly”
- Purpose: These adjectives describe a characteristic or quality of a noun.
- Example: “That is a lovely painting.” (The adjective “lovely” tells us about the quality of the painting.)
Common Patterns and Variations
While many words that end in “-ly” are simply adjectives or adverbs, some may require additional attention due to irregularities in spelling or meaning:
- Spelling Variations:
- Some adjectives end in “-ic”, and to form an adverb, you must add “-ally” instead of just “-ly”. For example:
- Basic → Basically
- Electric → Electronically
- Scientific → Scientifically
- Some adjectives end in “-ic”, and to form an adverb, you must add “-ally” instead of just “-ly”. For example:
- Exceptions:
- Not every word ending in “-ly” is an adverb. Some are adjectives, and it’s important to recognize the context to understand the role of the word.
- Also, “ly” can sometimes appear in words that are not directly related to the standard pattern (e.g., “family”, “silly”), which are nouns or adjectives.
Words that end in “-ly” play a significant role in the English language, enriching our ability to describe actions and qualities. Most commonly, the “-ly” suffix turns adjectives into adverbs that explain how actions are carried out. However, it can also be used to form adjectives that describe the characteristics of people, places, and things.
Understanding the use of words ending in “-ly” is essential for improving writing and communication, as they add depth and clarity to descriptions. Whether you’re crafting a sentence with a carefully chosen adverb or describing a person as friendly or lovely, these words enhance the richness of language.