IELTS Speaking Module
Show Your Range: Manner Adverbs

Use Manner Adverbs: Again, you know what they are (the way we do things), but are you using them?

  • He was driving recklessly
  • She spoke fluently
  • They played aggressively

To be honest, ESL speakers, especially people with Chinese as their mother tongue forget to use adverbs. But using them will enrich your speech and impress the examiner.

Use them in comparative sentences:

  • She was not waiting as patiently as I was
  • They talk a lot more arrogantly than people here
  • My boss doesn't manage as competently as his predecessor
  • Eating more healthily is going to improve my health

Use them with the subjunctive mood:

  • If I had studied more diligently, I would have gotten the grade I needed
  • If I could think more creatively, I'd be a much better designer
  • If I slept more soundly, I wouldn't be so tired every day

So try to get into the habit of putting manner adverbs next to your action verbs. Of course don't overdo it, or you will sound strange! But it's a great way to . . . show your range.