Adverbs

1 Definition

An adverb is a word like curieusement that can modify most parts of speech apart from a noun . It is always invariable .

2 Adverbs formed using -ment

2.1 Regular formations

Adverbs are most commonly formed by adding -ment to the feminine form of the adjective :

Sometimes the e preceding the final -ment takes an acute accent .

2.2 Irregular formations

Some adverbs are formed by adding -ment to the masculine form of the adjective. This is usually the case for adverbs formed from adjectives ending in a single vowel :

Adverbs formed from adjectives ending in -ant or -ent generally end in -amment and -emment (pronounced like -amment) respectively:

Exceptions to these irregular formations include gaiement, lentement and gentiment. There are also the wholly irregular formations bien (well) from bon (good) and mal (badly) from mauvais (bad).

3 Adjectives used as adverbs

Many adjectives are used as adverbs without the addition of -ment. These include:

Avec mes nouvelles lunettes je vois clair maintenant 

With my new glasses I can see clearly now

Il a refusé tout net de l'aider

He refused point blank to help him / her

4 Other ways of forming adverbial expressions

The adverbial -ly form is far more commonly used in English than is the -ment form in French. Where the -ment option is not available or desired, the following structures can often be used:

4.1 Avec + noun

Il la regarda avec amour / tristesse

He looked at her lovingly / sadly

4.2 De façon / d'une manière + adjective

Il faut qu'on agisse de façon / d'une manière décisive 

We must act decisively