-ly suffix

Rule Core

The suffix -ly forms adverbs from adjectives, expressing manner and answering how. It usually does not shift the original word stress.

Pronunciation Guide

-ly is commonly pronounced /li/ or reduced /lɪ/. Touch the alveolar ridge lightly for /l/, then move quickly into a short vowel with smooth airflow.

Word Analysis

extremely keeps the stress of extreme; -ly remains unstressed. secretly connects directly to secret without adding extra stress or syllabic breaks.

Pitfalls

Watch spelling changes: adjectives ending in -le drop e before adding -y (simple → simply). Do not confuse adjective and adverb forms.