Adjective and Adverb Use

Objectives

• Distinguish adjectives and adverbs as modifiers in sentences.

• Identify degrees and correct forms of adjectives/adverbs.

• Apply appropriate modifiers in writing.

• Revise sentences for correct modifier usage.

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives: Describe nouns/pronouns (e.g., what kind, how many).

• Adverbs: Modify verbs/adjectives/adverbs (e.g., how, when, where).

Degrees of Comparison

• Positive: No comparison (e.g., She is smart).

• Comparative: Compares two (e.g., smarter).

• Superlative: Compares 3 or more (e.g., smartest).

Forming Degrees of Comparison

• One-syllable: Add -er/-est (e.g., cold → colder → coldest).

• Two-syllable: Usually add -er/-est, some use more/most (e.g., happy → happier → happiest).

• Three or more syllables: Use more/most (e.g., generous → more generous → most generous).

Adverbs Comparison

• Adverbs ending in -ly: Use more/most (e.g., carefully → more carefully).

• Adverbs not ending in -ly: Add -er/-est (e.g., fast → faster).

Irregular Forms

• Adjective/Adverb: Good → better → best; Bad → worse → worst.

Common Errors

• Avoid double comparisons: e.g., "She is more smarter than me."

• Avoid double negatives: e.g., "I don’t know nothing."

• Distinguish adjective/adverb usage: Use adjectives with linking verbs and adverbs with action verbs.

Guidelines

• Use -er/-est for short words; more/most for longer ones.

• Use the definite article "the" with superlatives.