A Guide to Grammar

1. A Guide to Grammar Adapted from TheMagic Lens by Michael Clay Thompson

2. Adverbs

3. Adverbs An adverb is a word that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. a verb She plays the violin poorly. adjective Calvin is too tall. or other adverb

4. Adverb: Modifying a Verb She plays the violin poorly. The word poorly is describing how she plays. Because “plays” is a verb, “poorly” must be an adverb.

5. Adverb: Modifying an Adjective Calvin is reallytall. “Tall” is an adjective because it modifies the noun, Calvin. “Really” modifies the adjective “tall.” This makes it an adverb.

6. Adverb: Modifying Another Adverb He sings sohorribly. “Horribly” is an adverb that modifies “sings.” “So” is modifying another adverb, “horribly.” This makes it an adverb.

7. Adverbs vs. Adjectives Adverbs modify: • Verbs • Adjective • Other adverbs Adjectives modify: • Nouns • Pronouns

8. Adverbs vs. Adjectives It works backwards, too. • If the word being modified is a verb, adjective, or adverb, then the modifier must be an adverb. • If the word being modified is a noun or pronoun, then the modifier must be an adjective.

9. Adverb or Adjective He was late for the meeting. He was running late for the meeting. ADJECTIVE modifying “he” ADVERB modifying “running”