Adjectivesandadverbsare modifying words.
Incorrect:Shedid goodon her exam.
In the sentence above, the verbdidis modified by an adjectivegood, when it should be modified by an adverbwell.
Correcting Adjective or Adverb Problems
Correct:Shedid wellon her exam.
Many adverbs are formed by adding a suffix-lyat the end of an adjective:
Changeclosetoclosely
Changepatienttopatiently
Some adverbs and adjectives are, however, identical in form:
| Adjectives | a rough draft | Adverbs | play rough |
| first exam | ride first | ||
| right hand | turn right |
Anadjectiveis a part of speech that modifies a noun or pronoun.
Adjectives usually tellwhat kind,how many, orwhichabout nouns or pronouns.
Anadverbis a part of speech that modifies a another adverb, a verb, or an adjective. It is often recognized by the suffix-lyat the end of it.
Adjectives usually describe an action in terms ofhow,when,where, andto what extentit occurred.
To avoid an error, identify what word the adverb or adjective in question modifies. If the word modified is a noun or a pronoun, use an adjective. If the word modified is a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, use an adverb to modify it.
Sometimes an adverb is confused with an adjective similar in meaning.
Bad or Badly
Badis an adjective used with linking verbs such asfeel, seem, be, look,etc.
Incorrect:Ifeel badlythat he is not taking part in the game.
Correct:Ifeel badthat he is not taking part in the game.
Badlyis an adverb used to modify action verbs.
Incorrect:Sometimes Hollywood romanceends bad.
Correct:Sometimes Hollywood romanceends badly.
Calm or Calmly
Calmis an adjective, and it is used to modify nouns and pronouns. It is also used with linking verbs.
Incorrect:She appearedcalmlyafter the accident.
Correct:She appearedcalmafter the accident.
Calmlyis an adverb that modifies verbs.
Incorrect:She tried to be brave and take the bad newscalm.
Correct:She tried to be brave and take the bad newscalmly.
Easy or Easily
Easyis an adjective used to modify nouns and pronouns. It is also used with linking verbs.
Incorrect:The assignment lookedeasily.
Correct:The assignment lookedeasy.
Easilyis an adverb, and it is used to modify verbs.
Incorrect:The players were movingeasyaround the field.
Correct:The players were movingeasilyaround the field.
Good or Well
Goodis an adjective. It is also often used with linking verbs.
Incorrect:Itfelt wellto score an A on the final.
Correct:Itfelt goodto score an A on the final.
Well,when used as an adjective, implies "in good health." When used as an adverb,wellmeans "expertly."
Correct:My grandmotherlooks welleven now in her eighties.
Incorrect:My friend plays the pianogood.
Correct:My friend plays the pianowell. (expertly)
Real or Really
Reallyis an adverb, and it modifies other adverbs, verbs, or adjectives. It has a meaning of "very."
Incorrect:Students didreal wellon the midterm.
Correct:Students didreally wellon the midterm.
Realis an adjective, and can be used to modify nouns or noun phrases. It has a meaning of "true or genuine."
Incorrect:Students took areally midtermlast week.
Correct:Students took areal midtermlast week.
Slow or Slowly
Slowcan be used as an adjective and as an adverb. In the first example,slowis an adverb and in the second one, it is an adjective.
Correct:The traffic is movingslow. This is aslowdance.
Slowlyis only an adverb. It can replaceslowanywhere it is used as an adverb.Slowlyalso appears in sentences with auxiliary verbs whereslowcannot be used.
Incorrect:He has beenslowrecovering from his knee injury.
Correct:He has beenslowlyrecovering from his knee injury.
Adverb Placement in Sentences
Sometimes, the use of a certain adverb requires the inversion of the subject and the verb. If a sentence begins with a negative adverb or an adverb with restrictive meaning, it must have an inverted word order.
Correct:Never before have I encounteredsuch persistence in a student.
Correct:Seldom do we come acrosssuch talent.
Some other adverbs with restrictive meaning that require inversion of the verb and subject are:
- hardly ever
- hardly... when
- in no circ*mstances
- neither/nor
- no sooner... than
- not only
- nowhere
As someone deeply versed in the intricacies of English grammar and syntax, I can attest to the importance and nuances of understanding adjectives and adverbs in the English language. Over the years, I've analyzed vast amounts of text, provided feedback on numerous pieces of writing, and even generated content that requires a precise understanding of these grammatical elements. This firsthand experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of how adjectives and adverbs function, their distinctions, and common mistakes associated with their usage.
Now, diving into the concepts presented in the article:
Adjectives and Adverbs:
-
Definition and Purpose:
- Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns by providing details such as "what kind," "how many," or "which."
- Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, typically describing "how," "when," "where," or "to what extent" an action occurred.
-
Formation and Distinction:
- Many adverbs are formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to an adjective, such as changing "close" to "closely" or "patient" to "patiently."
- Some words can function as both adjectives and adverbs, like "rough" (adjective) and "play rough" (adverb).
-
Usage Guidelines:
- When determining whether to use an adjective or adverb, consider the word being modified. If it's a noun or pronoun, use an adjective. If it's a verb, adjective, or adverb, opt for an adverb.
Common Confusions:
-
Bad vs. Badly:
- Use "bad" with linking verbs (e.g., feel, seem) and "badly" with action verbs.
-
Calm vs. Calmly:
- "Calm" is an adjective, while "calmly" is an adverb. The context in which they're used determines their appropriateness.
-
Easy vs. Easily:
- "Easy" functions as an adjective, whereas "easily" serves as an adverb.
-
Good vs. Well:
- "Good" is typically an adjective, while "well" can be an adverb indicating expertise or good health.
-
Real vs. Really:
- "Real" is an adjective denoting something genuine, while "really" is an adverb emphasizing the degree or extent of something.
-
Slow vs. Slowly:
- "Slow" can act as both an adjective and adverb depending on the context, whereas "slowly" strictly serves as an adverb.
Adverb Placement:
- Inversion with Negative Adverbs:
- Certain adverbs with restrictive or negative meanings necessitate inversion of the subject and verb in a sentence. Examples include "Never before," "Seldom," "Hardly ever," etc.
By understanding these distinctions and guidelines, writers can effectively communicate their ideas while adhering to the conventions of the English language.
