

Since all of the examples you gave do end in -ly, this rule does not apply to them. When the combination of words is used after the noun, do not hyphenate.” Rule 5 states, “When adverbs not ending in -ly are used as compound words in front of a noun, hyphenate. In the phrase friendly-looking man, “friendly-looking” is a compound-adjective describing the noun man. Rule 4 says, “Generally, hyphenate between two or more adjectives when they come before a noun and act as a single idea.” We believe you are asking about Rules 4 and 5 of the “Hyphens” section. I feel bad/badly about telling that secret. She feels with her fingers here so the adverb ( -ly form) is used.ġ. She feels bad/badly since burning her fingers. She is not feeling with fingers so no -ly. Is the woman actively looking with eyes? No, only her appearance is being described. Do roses actively smell with noses? No, so no -ly. If the sense verb is not used actively, which is more common, don’t attach -ly. Instead, ask if the sense verb is used actively.

Rule: English grammar has one tricky caveat that seems like an exception to these easy rules: If the verb is one of these four senses-taste, smell, look, feel-don’t ask how. Rule: When comparing, don’t drop the -ly. In this example, fast answers how she thinks.

Fast may be either an adjective or an adverb. If an adverb answers how and can have an -ly attached to it, place it there. They may come before the word they describe: “That is a cute puppy.” Adjectives may also follow the word they describe: “That puppy is cute.”Īdverbs modify adjectives, verbs, and other adverbs. Do you wonder when to add -ly to a word? For example, should you say, “He speaks slow” or “He speaks slowly.” Let’s find out.Īdjectives describe nouns and pronouns.
