Language/French/Grammar/Formation-of-adverbs-with-the-ending-–ment
Adverbs in French are used to modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. In this lesson, we will explore how to form adverbs with the ending -ment in French.
Formation of Adverbs with the Ending -ment[edit | edit source]
In French, many adverbs are formed by adding -ment to the feminine singular form of the adjective. For example:
- Lent (slow) -> Lentement (slowly)
- Facile (easy) -> Facilement (easily)
Note that if the adjective already ends in -e, no extra -e is added before the -ment ending. For example:
- Poli (polite) -> Poliment (politely)
Exceptions to the Rule[edit | edit source]
Some adjectives have irregular adverb forms, or do not form adverbs with the ending -ment. Some examples include:
- Bon (good) -> Bien (well)
- Mauvais (bad) -> Mal (badly)
- Vrai (true) -> Vraiment (truly)
Placement of Adverbs[edit | edit source]
In French, adverbs usually come after the verb they modify. However, some adverbs, such as "bien" and "mal," can come before the verb. For example:
- Elle parle bien français. (She speaks French well.)
- Il chante mal. (He sings badly.)
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Forming adverbs with the ending -ment is an important part of mastering French grammar. By understanding the rules for forming these adverbs and knowing the exceptions, you can improve your French language skills and communicate more effectively with native speakers.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Omission of the article in set phrases and verbal constructions
- Wrong use of neutral le in phrases where 'it' occurs in English
- Questions
- Colour adjective compounds
- Directly transitive verbs without objects
- Position of direct and indirect object pronouns
- Use of ce, cela, ça as neutral pronouns
- “en” when numbers are direct objects
- Omission of the article with nouns following the verbs être, demeurer, devenir, élire, nommer, rester
- Indefinite article