Understanding the Difference Between Bad and Badly

Understanding the Difference Between Bad and Badly

Bad vs. Badly

Do you know the difference between “bad” and “badly”? These two words can be confusing. Let’s learn about them!

History

Both “bad” and “badly” come from old English words. “Bad” has been used for hundreds of years to talk about not good things. “Badly” is just “bad” with a “ly” at the end. It is used to describe how something is done.

How to Use Them

“Bad”

Bad is an adjective. Adjectives describe nouns. We use “bad” to say something is not good.

• The milk smells bad.
• This movie is bad.
• My grade on the test was bad.
• She has a bad headache.
• The weather yesterday was really bad.

“Badly”

Badly is an adverb. Adverbs describe verbs. We use “badly” to say something is done in a not good way.

• He dances badly.
• She sings badly.
• I wrote my essay badly.
• The team played badly in the game.
• He drives badly.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember: Adjectives describe nouns and are usually next to them. “Bad” is an adjective. Adverbs describe verbs and often end in “-ly.” “Badly” is an adverb.

Summary

To recap, use “bad” when you are describing a noun, like “a bad movie.” Use “badly” when you are describing how something is done, like “She sings badly.” Keep these tips in mind, and you will always know which word to use!