202Adverbial structures
In this unit you will learn how to derive an adverb from an adjective, and you will
become familiar with some adverbial phrases and structures such as compari-
sons. Th ese will enrich your sentences by adding details and nuances to how ac-
tions are performed.De l’adjectif à l’adverbe (From adjective
to adverb)
In English many adverbs end in the suffi x -ly (i.e., slowly). In French many adverbs
end in -ment. Th ese adverbs are formed by adding the suffi x -ment to the feminine
form of the corresponding adjective.Cette soirée est agréable. Th is evening is pleasant.
Je passe le temps agréablement. I am spending time pleasantly.For adjectives ending in a vowel other than a silent -e, the corresponding ad-
verb is formed by adding the suffi x -ment to the masculine form of the adjective.Il est poli. He is polite.
Il parle poliment. He speaks politely.For adjectives ending in -ent or -ant, the corresponding adverb is obtained
by dropping -nt and adding -mment.Il est patient. He is patient.
Il attend patiemment. He waits patiently.Il est élégant. He is elegant.
Il s’habille élégamment. He dresses elegantly.Th ere are some exceptions to the preceding rules of adverb formation. For
example, the feminine forms of the adjectives énorme, précis, and profond take
an accent aigu over the -e before adding -ment.Il mange un repas énorme. He eats an enormous meal.
Il mange énormément. He eats enormously (an
awful lot).Donne-moi l’heure précise! Give me the exact time!
Tu veux ceci? Précisément! You want this? Precisely!· 24 ·
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