Serious or Seriously? Difference Explained (With Examples)

Adverbs and adjectives play a big role in how we perceive and use language today. This article will explain the differences between “serious” and “seriously.” By the end of it, you should have a much better grasp of how the two words differ.

What Is The Difference Between “Serious” and “Seriously”?

“Serious” is an adjective that modifies nouns. You might see it used in sentences like “you’re not serious,” where “you” is the noun to modify. “Seriously” is correct as an adverb (which modifies verb forms). “We are taking this seriously” is an example since “taking” is modified.

Don’t worry if you’ve found yourself confusing adverbs with adjectives before. Even native speakers make this mistake, and it’s turned into a bad habit for most native speakers today.

It’s always better to make sure you use adverbs to modify verbs (i.e. “talk seriously”) and adjectives to modify nouns (i.e. “he is serious”).

Spoken English makes an exception in some cases where “serious” can be interchangeable with “seriously,” but this is not standard practice. Try to avoid doing this to make sure you’re following the appropriate grammar rules.

How to Use “Serious” In A Sentence

I want you to be more serious about this. We need to find out whether we’re on the same page.
He wasn’t serious. I didn’t realize that he didn’t care so much, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
It was a serious incident, and there didn’t seem to be a single person that cared about it.

You’re not serious, are you? I thought you were joking around when you said that!

It’s a serious problem, and we have got to do something about it before it’s too late!

“Serious” is an adjective. It’s most common when used after pronouns (“he is serious”) or before objects (“serious problem”). The adjective modifies the noun or pronoun to show that something is “serious.”

How to Use “Seriously” In A Sentence

He seriously considered his options, but he wasn’t sure he was going to get the best deal out of them.
You should seriously talk to her about this. I think it’s the best way for you to learn what she did.
I will seriously think about my options here. I don’t want to make the same mistakes you did.

Can we seriously discuss the matter at hand? I think you’ve made a mistake, and I want it to be fixed.
They spoke seriously for a brief moment, but it was overshadowed by the fact that neither of them could stop smiling.

“Seriously” is an adverb. It’s most commonly found before or after a verb form, where “seriously” changes the meaning of the verb to show that people are doing things in an intense manner (“seriously considering”).

Is It “More Serious” or “More Seriously”?

“More serious” works when we use the adjective form to modify a noun. It becomes the comparative form in this case. “More seriously” works when we use the adverb form to modify a verb. It’s still comparative, but it relates to an action rather than an object.

I will be more serious going forward. (Noun = “I”)
You need to take this more seriously. (Verb = “take”)

Do You “Take it Serious” or “Take it Seriously”?

“Take it seriously” is the only way you can write this phrase. “Seriously” is an adverb, and we use it to modify the verb form “take” in this sentence. “Take it serious” is never correct because there is no object to modify, which is the only job of “serious.”

Correct: Please take it seriously.
Incorrect: I will need you to take it serious.

Is It “Too Serious” or “Too Seriously”?

“Too serious” is correct as the adjective form. We use “too” to extend the importance of being “serious” compared with an object. “Too seriously” is correct when a verb form is being modified in the same way, where “too” is an intensifier.

He is too serious all the time. (Noun = “he”)
You are talking too seriously. (Verb = “talking”)

What Word Type is “Seriously”?

“Seriously” is an adverb. The “-ly” extension to the adjective is used whenever we are modifying a verb form. It’s correct to use this form whenever we want to modify a verb that shows that someone is taking an action in a more serious manner than you might expect.

Is It Right To Say “Seriously”?

It’s possible to use adverbs on their own in sentences. “Seriously” is correct as its own sentence, and it’s mainly found when someone can’t quite believe what they’re hearing, and they’re questioning whether you are serious about what you might be saying to them.

I’m going to do this really stupid thing.
Seriously?

Martin Lassen

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.