Spelling rules for adding -ly

In most cases,- ly is simply added to the positive form of the adjective. For example:

1. Adjectives ending in -ic
When the adjective ends in -ic, the syllable -al is usually added before the -ly ending. For example:

2. Adjectives ending in le
When the adjective ends in -le preceded by a consonant, the final e is usually changed to y, to form the -ly ending. For example:

When the adjective ends in -le preceded by a vowel, in most cases, ly is simply added to the positive form of the adjective. For example:

However, in the case of the adjective whole, the final e is removed before the ending -ly is added:

3. Adjectives ending in -ll
When the adjective ends in -ll, only y is added. For example:

4. Adjectives ending in -ue
When the adjective ends in -ue, the final e is usually omitted before the ending ly is added. For example:

5. Adjectives ending in -y
When the adjective ends in y preceded by a consonant, the y is usually changed to i before the ending ly is added. For example:

However, in the case of the adjectives shy and sly, -ly is simply added to the positive form of the adjective:

When the adjective ends in -y preceded by a vowel, in most cases, -ly is simply added to the positive form of the adjective. For example: