Using Modifiers Notes

What is a modifier? Modifiers are words that give information about or modify , the meaning of other words. Adjectives and adverbs are common modifiers.

What is an adjective? An adjective is a modifier that modifies nouns pronouns . Adjectives answer the question which one, what kind, how many and how much

Can Other Words Be Used As Adjectives Nouns ex. Cloth pouch , silk shirt Possessive Pronouns ex. Their necks, her head, your idea Demonstrative pronouns ex. This house, that road, these hills, those people Participles Ex. Living spider, dreaded plague

What is a predicate adjective? A predicate adjective follows a linking verb and modifies the subject of a clause Ex. The spider looked harmless and small.

Can you Identify the adjective? Ted has taken several classes in photography. Fashion Fair displayed purple pink and gray sweaters. Many articles were written about the Japanese garden These new cars will use less gas. The senior class is studying modern European history. 6. There is a light lunch for you on the kitchen table. 7. Our mail delivery is late. 8. A British car stopped in the right lane. 9. Water pollution is a serious problem. 10. Parents of the graduates looked happy.

What is an adverb? An adverb modifies verbs, adjectives and other adverbs. Adverbs answer the question where, when, how, and to what degree Adverbs such as so, very, most, more, and ever intensify the meaning of the words that they modify.

Can You Identify the Adverb? The governor signed the tax bill recently. The cyclists were thoroughly exhausted. Sandra rearranged the furniture yesterday. Drivers on the expressway must be very careful. Make all deliveries here. We left our keys behind. Patricia rises early. The votes are still being counted. The winner was very surprised. The wind was bitterly cold.

What are some problems with adverbs? Writers may confuse an adjective with an adverb, use double negatives or add an extra here or there. Example: Adjective or adverb? The lonely scientist turned a lowly insect into a radioactive terror. (All adverbs do not end in ly)

What are some problems with adjectives and adverbs? Many words have adjective and adverb forms Ex. Some stories about real people are really strange. Some words can function as either adjectives or adverbs Ex. A weird tale may appear in the daily paper. I read the paper daily.

What are some problems with adjectives and adverbs? Two pairs of modifiers in particular cause writers problems: Ex. Good- adjective well adjective or adverb Bad- adjective Badly adverb A good urban myth has some truth to it. (adjective) The koala feels good today (adjective) Animals eat well in the zoo. (adverb) The animal looks well today (Adjective) A bad myth is too phony to be true. (adjective) The koala felt bad after eating. (adjective) He tells stories badly. Adverb)

What is a double negative? A double negative occurs when two negative words are used in a single sentence. Ex. I can’t hardly believe that two people flushed a pet alligator into the sewer. I can hardly believe that two people flushed a pet alligator into the sewer. Ex. You won’t find no proof of this story. You won’t find any proof of this story.

What are the rules for using demonstrative pronouns as adjectives? This, that, these and those are demonstrative adjectives There are three rules to remember when using these demonstrative adjectives They must agree in number with the words that they modify Ex. These kinds (plural) or this kind (sing.) Never use here or there with these demonstrative adjectives Ex This here or that there Never use the pronoun them as an adjective in place of these or those Ex. Them people

How do you use Adjectives and Adverbs in Comparisons? Adjectives and adverbs have special forms for making comparisons There are two degrees of comparisons The comparative and the superlative degree The comparative degree is formed when two things are being compared. Ex. Evans is a stronger pitcher than Richardson This quilt looks prettier that that one. The superlative degree is formed when a person or thing is compared three or more things are being compared? Ex. A coyote is the smartest of all animals. Kevin has the smallest part in the play.

How are regular comparisons formed? Most modifiers are changed in regular ways to show comparisons: Add er o est to one or two syllable words to form the comparative or superlative Use more or most to form the comparative or superlative: to some two syllable words To words words with more than two syllables to avoid awkward sound To adverbs ending in ly

How is the comparative and superlative formed for irregular comparisons? Some modifiers have irregular comparisons and superlatives Ex. Good better best well better best Far farther further farthest furthest Bad worse worst much more most many more most little less least

What are some problems with comparisons? Do not use er and more to form the comparative. Ex. The actor’s eyes were more yellower than a wolf’s. Do not use est with most to form the superlative He wears the most hairiest makeup I’ve ever seen. When comparing something that is part of a larger group to the group itself use other or else to avoid an illogical comparison. I think a werewolf is more mysterious than any monster (illogical) I think a werewolf is more mysterious than any other monster .(logical)