English Reference
Adverb

correctly

adv. manner
A2 Elementary Oxford US /kɝˈɛktɫi/ UK /kəɹˈɛktli/ cor·rect·ly

adv.in a way that is right or accurate. You use this when someone follows the rules or gives the right answer.

adv.in a manner that is accurate, right, or appropriate according to a standard or fact.


SIMPLE

Please make sure you spell your name correctly.

CONTEXTUAL

If you follow the instructions correctly, the machine should start working immediately.

COMPLEX

The software is designed to alert the user if the data has not been entered correctly into the required fields.

Usage

Manner adverb — typically placed after the verb or the direct object.

Pitfall
He did the work correct.He did the work correctly.

Learners often use the adjective 'correct' when the adverb 'correctly' is required to modify a verb.

Usage correctly answer · correctly assess · correctly describe


From correct + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated