Adjectives and Adverbs (TM)
Adjectives and Adverbs
Adjectives modify or describe nouns and pronouns. In English, adjectives are usually placed before the word being modified, although they can also appear after a linking verb like is or smells.
The beautiful blue jade necklace will go perfectly with my dress.
I think that lasagna smells delicious.
Adjectives answer the questions what kind? how many? or which one?
Adverbs answer the questions how? when? where? why? or to what extent?
Note that any word used to describe a noun or pronoun will be classified as an adjective. For instance, the pronoun her could be used as an adjective:
Her dog barks until midnight. (adjective modifying dog)
We gave several books to her. (pronoun)
Adverbs, which are often formed by adding the suffix –ly, modify any word or set of words that is not a noun or pronoun. They can modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, phrases, or clauses.
He quickly ran to the house next door. (Quickly modifies the verb ran.)
Her very effective speech earned her a promotion. (Very modifies the adjective effective.)
Finally, the table was set and dinner was ready. (Finally modifies the clause the table was set and dinner was ready.)
Comparative adjectives and adverbs compare two items. For most one- or two-syllable words, the suffix –er is added to make it comparative.
Superlative adjectives and adverbs compare three or more items. Most one- or two-syllable words are made superlative by adding a suffix, –est.
My brother is tall.
Comparative: My brother is taller than my sister.
Superlative: My brother is the tallest of all my siblings.
Longer adjectives and adverbs must be preceded by more to form the comparative and most to form the superlative.
My bed is comfortable.
Comparative: My bed at home is more comfortable than the one at the hotel.
Superlative: The bed in your guestroom is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in!
Some adjectives and adverbs form irregular comparatives and superlatives.
Some Irregular Comparative and Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs
Adjective/Adverb | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
much | more | most |
bad | worse | worst |
good | better | best |
little | less | least |
far | further/farther | furthest/farthest |
The words a, and, and the, called articles, are always adjectives.