Adverbs which modify adjectives

Since landed is a verb, we know the modifier has to be an adverb. In this sentence, the noun bird is modified by the adjective blue , which tells us what kind of bird flew—a blue bird! What if we were to add an adverb to this sentence? Often an adverb used to modify an adjective adds a degree of intensity to the adjective:. The word very in this sentence is an adverb modifying the adjective blue.

Sometimes, this can get tricky. Imagine the sentence were as follows:. A helpful hint to check if a word is modifying the noun in a sentence is to take out the other adjective and see if the sentence makes any sense. Other common adverbs are words like really and slightly. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A to Z Grammar Lessons. It is really hot. We can do the same thing with more advanced words.

We just put the adverb before the adjective. Take a look at some examples. It is surprisingly hot. I am physically tired. You may also like. Pronouns: Overview May 4, The adverb often modifies the adjective entertained , sometimes modifies confused , and never modifies bored by describing the degree or intensity of the adjectives.

An adverb can modify another adverb. The modifying adverb usually clarifies the degree or intensity of the adverb. Eating her lunch somewhat cautiously, Carolyn tried to ignore the commotion. The adverb somewhat modifies the adverb cautiously by telling to what degree. Stan can discuss the English language very thoroughly. The adverb very modifies the adverb thoroughly by telling to what degree.

Even in the other room, Vickilee was never completely unaware of the crying kittens. The adverb never modifies the adverb completely by telling to what degree. In addition to the rules that apply to the use of adverbs, the following points further discuss their formation and function. Some adverbs modify by negating a statement. These are referred to as negative adverbs.

Incorrect double negative He can't hardly understand the words of the speaker. Correct He can hardly understand the words of the speaker. Todd drives faster than I do, but I get there sooner and more efficiently by taking a shorter route. Amy drives most slowly of all of us. Words that function as adverbs telling how, when, where, why, under what conditions, or to what degree and which also function as conjunctions joining grammatical parts are called conjunctive adverbs.

Conjunctive adverbs join and create transitions between independent clauses. A conjunctive adverb may begin a sentence and is often followed by a comma. When place between independent clauses, a conjunctive adverb is preceded by a semicolon and is usually followed by a comma.