Language/French/Grammar/Adjectives-used-as-adverbs-without-addition-of-–ment

Adjectives Used as Adverbs Without Addition of -ment in French Grammar

In French, some adjectives are used as adverbs without adding the suffix -ment. In this lesson, we will explore how to use adjectives as adverbs without the addition of -ment.

Adjectives that Do Not Change Form

Some adjectives have the same form whether they are used as adjectives or adverbs. For example:

• Bon (good) -> Il parle bon français. (He speaks good French.)
• Mauvais (bad) -> Il conduit mauvais. (He drives badly.)

Note that in these cases, the adjective does not change form, regardless of whether it is modifying a verb or a noun.

Adjectives that Change Form

Other adjectives change form when used as adverbs. For example:

• Lent (slow) -> Il marche lent. (He walks slowly.)
• Rapide (fast) -> Elle court rapide. (She runs quickly.)

In these cases, the adjective takes on the feminine singular form when used as an adverb.

Placement of Adjectives Used as Adverbs

Adjectives used as adverbs usually come after the verb they modify. For example:

• Il parle bon français. (He speaks good French.)
• Elle court rapide. (She runs quickly.)

However, some adjectives, such as "bien" and "mal," can come before the verb. For example:

• Il conduit mal. (He drives badly.)
• Elle chante bien. (She sings well.)

Conclusion

Using adjectives as adverbs without the addition of -ment is an important part of mastering French grammar. By understanding the rules for using these adjectives and knowing their placement, you can improve your French language skills and communicate more effectively with native speakers.