French Adverb Formation: Adding -ment

French adverbs often end in -ment, similar to English adverbs ending in -ly. However, the rules for forming these adverbs can be a bit tricky. Let's explore how to create adverbs in French by adding -ment to adjectives.

Basic Rule

For most adjectives, simply add -ment to the feminine singular form:

• Lent (slow) → Lentement (slowly)
• Heureux (happy) → Heureusement (happily)
• Douce (soft, feminine) → Doucement (softly)

Adjectives Ending in -ant or -ent

For adjectives ending in -ant or -ent, replace -ant or -ent with -amment or -emment:

• Constant → Constamment (constantly)
• Évident → Évidemment (obviously)

Adjectives Ending in a Vowel

For adjectives ending in a vowel (except -e), add -ment directly to the masculine form:

• Vrai → Vraiment (truly)
• Absolu → Absolument (absolutely)

Exceptions

Some common adverbs are irregular:

• Bon → Bien (well)
• Mauvais → Mal (badly)
• Gentil → Gentiment (kindly)

Usage Examples

• Elle parle doucement. (She speaks softly.)
• Il travaille constamment. (He works constantly.)
• Nous mangeons lentement. (We eat slowly.)

Remember, practice makes perfect. Try forming adverbs from different adjectives to reinforce these rules. With time, creating French adverbs will become second nature.