Adjectives and Adverbs

1. Adjectives and Adverbs Mini-lesson #5 ------------------------------------- Use of adjectives and adverbs with linking and sense verbs

2. Adjectives and Adverbs with Linking Verbs • Definition of a linking verb • A linking verb is one that links or connects a subject and its complement: He is lucky (adjective complement). The verbs most often used as linking verbs are forms of be and verbs associated with our five senses (look, sound, smell, feel, taste).

3. Adjectives and Adverbs • What to do with possible linking verbs • When the word after the verb describes the subject and can be substituted for is, are, was, or were without altering the meaning, then the verb is linking and the word should be an adjective. Ms. Morse looked very sympathetic as she listened to my troubles.

4. Adjectives and Adverbs • When the word is intended to describe how the person responds, not how the person is or was, then use an adverb, not an adjective. Ms. Morse looked very sympathetically at me as she listened to my troubles.

5. Examples • She doesn’t feel (good/well) about her promotion. • She doesn’t feel good about her promotion. • The suspect looked (suspicious, suspiciously). One of the jurors looked (suspicious, suspiciously) at him. • The suspect looked suspicious. One of the jurors looked suspiciously at him.

6. More Examples • We need to act (quick/quickly). • We need to act quickly. • We need to act as if we are (quick/quickly). • We need to act as if we are quick.

7. THE END! If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to call or stop by the Writing Lab.