Adverbs of manner are words that we use to describe "how" something is done. Adverbs are quite flexible in English, so they can be used in different positions but the most common positions are before the main verb or at the end of the clause:
She listened to the presentation attentively.
She attentively listened to the presentation. / She was attentively listening to the presentation.
The adverb "attentively" means "with a lot of attention". You can see that it can be located at the end of the clause, after the object "the presentation", or it can be located in front of the main verb "listened/listening". This is the case for all of the adverbs in this lesson.
Here is a list of 20 helpful adverbs of manner for your vocabulary to describe how an action is performed:
Accordingly - in a way that is appropriate to the particular circumstances
Usage: helpful to describe behavior in situations when people have to do things in a certain way to be appropriate
Example: It's a good idea to tell everyone what we will discuss at the meeting so that they can plan accordingly for it.
Boldly - in a confident and courageous manner
Usage: helpful to describe behavior in situations that require courage without fear
Example: He boldly criticized the President on television with millions of people watching.
Cautiously - in a way that avoids potential danger or problems
Usage: helpful to describe behavior in situations that are risky and can have serious consequences
Example: She cautiously crossed the busy street.
Deliberately/Intentionally/On Purpose - in a way that is done with intention
Usage: helpful to clarify intentional behavior when people might think that the action was an accident
Example: She deliberately interrupted me several times when I was trying to make my point.
Discreetly/Subtly - In a way that does not attract attention from others
Usage: helpful to describe behavior when people don't want their action to be obvious to others.
Example : He discreetly left the meeting early. Nobody noticed that he was gone.
Eagerly/Enthusiastically - in a way that shows keen interest or enthusiasm
Usage: helpful to express that the subject was excited about doing something
Example : The students eagerly participated in the fun science experiment to see the results.
Half-heartedly - in a way that shows little enthusiasm or interest
Usage: helpful to clarify that the subject was not trying their best
Example: He half-heartedly participated in the game. He wasn't enjoying it at all.
Inadvertently/Accidentally - in a way that was not intended (opposite of "deliberately")
Usage: helpful to clarify that something was an accident
Example: He inadvertently made a cultural mistake by greeting the Japanese guest with a hug.
Mistakenly - in an incorrect way due to a mistake
Usage: helpful to describe an action that was done the wrong way
Example: The package was mistakenly delivered to my house instead of my neighbor's house.
Persistently - in a continuous and determined manner
Usage: useful to describe a person who keeps trying and is not quitting
Example: She persistently applied for jobs until she found one successfully.
Poorly/Badly - in a way that is not good or satisfactory
Usage: helpful to describe something that is not done effectively
Example: The project was poorly managed from the start, so there were many problems with it.
Precisely - In an exact and accurate manner
Usage: helpful in situations that require specific detail
Example: The instructions were followed precisely and everything was done correctly.
Reluctantly - In an unwilling and hesitant manner
Usage: helpful to explain that someone didn't really want to do something.
Example: He reluctantly answered the question about his mistake. He didn't really want to talk about it.
Skillfully - In a way that shows expertise or proficiency
Usage: helpful to describe an action that required skill
Example: The zookeeper skillfully led the crocodile back into its cage.
Smoothly - In a way that is without problems or difficulties
Usage: helpful to describe a process that is done without any interruptions or problems
Example: The event ran smoothly from start to finish. Everyone had a great time.
Swiftly - In a very fast manner
Usage: helpful to express that something is done quickly without wasting any time
Example: The servers swiftly took the dishes and cleaned the table for the next group at the restaurant.
Tentatively - In a way that is not fixed or permanent yet and may be changed later
Usage: helpful to explain that something is not 100% confirmed yet and could be just temporary
Example : Staff are tentatively working from home but may return to the office someday.
Thoroughly - In a detailed and careful manner
Usage: helpful to explain that something is done with a lot of attention to detail
Example: She thoroughly cleaned the house before the guests arrived. It was completely spotless.
Vigorously - In a strong, healthy, and energetic manner
Usage: helpful when the action requires a lot of strenuous effort
Example : You need to exercise vigorously in order to get the best results for your body.
Willingly - in a voluntary manner by their own free will
Usage: helpful to make it clear that the person offered to do something and was not forced to do it
Example: She willingly worked on the weekend to help her team even though she had made other plans.
Practice
Choose the correct option in each case:
He half-heartedly/vigorously prepared for the test with hours and hours of studying.
He wrongly/skillfully repaired the broken window without any trouble.
She inadvertently/deliberately ignored him at the party. She never even realized he was there.
It's a very formal event so guests should make sure that they dress accordingly/boldly.
She reluctantly/eagerly joined us on the dance floor. She clearly wasn't comfortable with dancing..
The company tentatively/discreetly fired workers on the weekend to prevent others from finding out.
The ushers swiftly/cautiously took everyone to their seats. We didn't have to wait long.
He accidentally/willingly allowed detectives to search his home. He knew he had nothing to hide.
The protesters boldly/hesitantly blocked traffic on the streets while marching down the street.
The meeting is tentatively/mistakenly scheduled for Friday at 2pm but it may be changed later.
She half-heartedly/eagerly accepted the job offer. She couldn't wait to start.
He deliberately/reluctantly took a long time to complete the task because he likes to do things swiftly/cautiously.
Answers
He vigorously prepared for the test with hours and hours of studying.
He skillfully repaired the broken window without any trouble.
She inadvertently ignored him at the party. She never even realized he was there.
It's a very formal event so guests should make sure that they dress accordingly.
She reluctantly joined us on the dance floor. She clearly wasn't comfortable with dancing..
The company discreetly fired workers on the weekend to prevent others from finding out.
The ushers swiftly took everyone to their seats. We didn't have to wait long.
He willingly allowed detectives to search his home. He knew he had nothing to hide.
The protesters boldly blocked traffic on the streets while marching down the street.
The meeting is tentatively scheduled for Friday at 2pm but it may be changed later.
She eagerly accepted the job offer. She couldn't wait to start.
He deliberately took a long time to complete the task because he likes to do things cautiously.
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