Adjectives and AdverbsWhat’s the Story?

Overview

Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns

• Usually come before the word they modify

• Occasionally come after

Adverbs modify

• Verbs

• Adjectives

• Other adverbs

AdjectiveExamples:

The beautiful, red leaves of the maple tree seem to sparkle in the bright sunlight.

The sharp smell of burning leaves always reminds me of fall.

But adjectives are not THAT easy. . .

A SUBJECT COMPLEMENT follows a linking verb and completes the meaning of the subject.

When an adjective functions as a subject complement, it describes the subject.

• Justice is blind.

The Problem: linking verbsSmell

Taste

Look

Feel

Sometimes the words function as linking verbs.

If the word following one of these verbs describes the subject, use an adjective.

If the word following the verb modifies the verb, use an adverb.

For Example:

The lilacs in our backyard smell especially sweetly sweet this year.

• The verb smell suggests a state of being, not an action; therefore, it should be followed by an adjective, not an adverb.

The drawing looked well good after the architect made a few changes.

A Common Mistake

When the verb feel refers to the state of a person’s health or emotions, it is a linking verb and should be followed by an adjective (such as bad) instead of an adverb (such as badly).

• We felt badly bad when we heard of your grandmother’s death.

OBJECT COMPLEMENTS

An object complement follows a direct object and completes its meaning.

When an adjective functions as an object complement, it describes the direct object.

• Sorrow makes us wise.

Object complements occur with verbs such as

When a modifier follows follows the direct object of one of these verbs, use

• an adjective to describe the direct object

The referee called the plays perfect.

• an adverb to modify the verb

The referee called the plays perfectly.

CallConsiderCreate

FindKeepMake

ADVERBS

Usually answer

• When?

• Where?

• How?

• Why?

• Under what conditions?

• How often?

• To what degree?

The Problem: Adjectives are often used incorrectly in place of adverbs.The transportation arrangement worked

out perfect perfectly for everyone.

The manager must see that the office runs smooth smoothly and efficient efficiently.

Try this one:

The chance of recovering any property lost in the fire looks real slim.

Only adverbs can modify adjectives or other adverbs.

• Really intensifies the meaning of the adjective slim.

The chance of recovering any property lost in the fire looks really slim.

Another Problem: good & well

Good

Well

Which is the adjective and which is the adverb?

We were glad that Sonya has done good on the CPA exam.

We were glad that Sonya has done well on the CPA exam.

But well can be an adjective!

I feel very well today.

All is well.

It is just as well.