Adverbs and Adjectives Overview

Adverbs and Adjectives

In this lesson we will learn the basics of adverbs and adjectives.

Adjective Definition

An adjective modifies, or describes, a noun or pronoun.

Adjectives answer the questions "Which one?", "What kind?", and "How many?"

RED = ADJECTIVE

BLUE = NOUN/PRONOUN

ORANGE = VERB

PURPLE = ADVERB

YELLOW = ADVERB PHRASE

Examples

Which one?          The red shoes are Rachel's.

What kind?           Jazz music is my favorite.

How many?          A few friends can come to the party.

Adverb Definition

Adverbs modify (or describe) verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

Adverbs answer the questions "How?", "Where?", "When?", and "Why?"

Most words ending in '-ly' are adverbs.

RED = ADJECTIVE

BLUE = NOUN/PRONOUN

ORANGE = VERB

PURPLE = ADVERB

YELLOW = ADVERB PHRASE

Examples

Where?          The bird flew south for the winter.

When?            The bird flew yesterday.

Why?               The bird flew because of the cold weather.

How?               The bird flew swiftly.

We have two concerns when using adverbs and adjectives in writing.

One is selecting adjectives and adverbs that will strengthen your writing.

The other is identifying and correcting problems with these modifiers.

Adverbs and Adjectives can be used to enhance our communication skills.

By using modifiers, you may be able to add significant information to your writing.

Now we understand!

Now you have learned the very basics of adverbs and adjectives!