Y06W41VC Word Roots — -ly (in a manner)

The suffix -ly comes from Old English and means 'in a manner' or 'in a way that is'. It is added to adjectives to form adverbs that describe how an action is performed or the degree to which a quality applies. Recognising -ly helps students identify adverbs quickly and understand how they modify meaning in writing. This module explores six academic words ending in -ly alongside three Word Families examples.

Word Families

These three words all contain -ly. As you read, notice how the meaning 'in a manner' helps you work out each word.

clearly

/ˈklɪəli/

clear‑ly

adverb

In a way that is easy to understand or see; without confusion or vagueness.

Word Breakdown: -ly (suffix meaning 'in a manner')

Example: A well-written argument states its position clearly in the opening paragraph.

Synonyms: plainly, obviously, precisely

Collocations: state clearly, communicate clearly, clearly expressed

boldly

/ˈbəʊldli/

bold‑ly

adverb

In a way that is confident and brave; without hesitation or fear.

Example: The editorial boldly challenged the government's approach to environmental policy.

Synonyms: confidently, bravely, directly

Collocations: state boldly, boldly argued, write boldly

effectively

/ɪˈfektɪvli/

ef‑fec‑tive‑ly

adverb

In a way that produces a desired or intended result; successfully.

Example: When you communicate effectively, your reader understands exactly what you mean without confusion.

Synonyms: successfully, efficiently, powerfully

Collocations: communicate effectively, work effectively, effectively argued

Academic Vocab

purpose

/ˈpɜːpəs/

pur‑pose

noun

The reason for which something is done, created or exists.

Word family: purpose (n.), purposeful (adj.)

Example: Understanding the purpose of a text is essential to interpreting the choices its author has made.

Synonyms: aim, intention, goal

Collocations: the purpose of, serve a purpose, write with purpose

intention

/ɪnˈtenʃən/

in‑ten‑tion

noun

A plan or aim that a person intends to carry out.

Word family: intention (n.), intend (v.), intentional (adj.)

Example: The author's intention was to make readers question their assumptions about environmental responsibility.

Synonyms: aim, plan, goal

Collocations: the author's intention, with intention, stated intention

aim

/eɪm/

aim

noun / verb | [aim – aimed – aimed]

A goal or desired outcome. As a verb, to intend or work toward something.

Word family: aim (n./v.)

Example: The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness of the environmental impact of single-use plastics.

Synonyms: goal, objective, purpose

Collocations: the aim of, aim to, a clear aim

goal

/ɡəʊl/

goal

noun

The result or achievement toward which effort is directed.

Word family: goal (n.)

Example: Setting clear academic goals at the start of the year helps students maintain focus and measure progress.

Synonyms: aim, objective, target

Collocations: set a goal, achieve a goal, a long-term goal

objective

/əbˈdʒektɪv/

ob‑jec‑tive

noun / adjective

A goal or target to be achieved. As an adjective, not influenced by personal feelings — impartial and based on facts.

Word family: objective (n./adj.), objectively (adv.)

Example: The research objective was to determine whether the new teaching method improved student outcomes.

Synonyms: goal, aim, target

Collocations: the main objective, an objective view, objectively assessed

the purpose of

/ðə ˈpɜːpəs ɒv/

the pur‑pose of

phrase

‘The purpose of’ introduces the reason why something exists or is done.

Example: The purpose of the introduction is to prepare the reader for the main idea.

Synonyms: the aim of, the reason for, the goal of

Collocations: the purpose of this; the purpose of the text; the purpose of the activity

Confusing Words

in conclusion vs in summary

In conclusion and in summary are both used to introduce the final section of a piece of writing, but they serve slightly different functions. In conclusion introduces the writer's final judgement or overall stance after a discussion — it signals the end of the argument and a definitive position — for example, 'In conclusion, the evidence strongly supports the view that early intervention is the most effective strategy.'

  • in conclusion — In conclusion' introduces the final summary or closing point — for example, 'In conclusion, the evidence supports the plan.'
  • in summary — In summary introduces a brief restatement of the main points covered — it recaps what has been discussed without necessarily adding a new judgement — for example, 'In summary, three key factors contribute to long-term academic success: perseverance, effective habits and clear goals.'

Memory rule: Use in conclusion when you are making a final judgement or taking a definitive stance. Use in summary when you are simply restating or recapping the main points. In formal academic writing, avoid using both in the same paragraph.