Adjectives and Adverbs: Using Descriptive Words © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

What is an adjective? Adjectives describe nouns and pronouns. They add information about what kind, which one, or how many. In the following sentence, the adjectives are in blue, pointing to the words they describe: Two pretty swans swam in the calm water. An adjective clause is a group of words that describes a noun. I enjoy people who like to laugh. © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

What is an adverb? You learn quickly. (Learn is a verb.) Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They add information about how, how much, when, where, or why. Adverbs often end with –ly. In the following sentences, the adverbs are in blue, pointing to the words they describe: You learn quickly. (Learn is a verb.) You learn very quickly. (Quickly is an adverb.) Really fast cars are expensive. (Fast is an adjective.) © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

What is an adverb? (Continued) To compare two persons, places, or things, use the comparative form of adjectives or adverbs. This form often uses than. You type faster than I do. Robert is more thoughtful than Tyler. To compare three or more persons, places, or things, use the superlative form of adjectives or adverbs. You type the fastest of anyone I know. Robert is the most thoughtful of all of our friends. © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

Comparitive and Superlative Good, well, bad, and badly do not follow the regular rules for forming comparatives and superlatives. Comparative Superlative Adjective good better best bad worse worst Adverb well badly © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

Milo plays the piano beautifully. Beautifully is an adverb that modifies the verb plays. Adverb © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

The cat’s fur was soft. Adjective Soft is an adjective that modifies the noun fur. © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

Adjective (Continued) The hot stove top burned my hand. Hot is an adjective describing the noun stove top. © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

The angry dog barked noisily. Adjective and Adverb The angry dog barked noisily. Angry is an adjective that describes the noun dog. Noisily is an adverb that modifies the verb barked. © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

Comparative Form of Adjective The Nile is longer than the Mississippi River. Longer is the comparative form of the adjective long—there are two rivers being compared (the Nile and the Mississippi). © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

Superlative Form of Adjective Whales are the largest mammals. Largest is the superlative form of the adjective large. © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

Ted did well in school. Adverb (Continued) Well is an adverb describing how Ted did in school. © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s

Adjective and Adverb (Continued) © 2016 by Bedford/St. Martin’s