GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageEasy
A student is writing an essay and wants to use an adverb to modify an adjective. Which sentence correctly uses an adverb to modify an adjective?
- AThe very tall tree swayed in the wind.
- BShe sings beautiful.
- CThe hardly working student failed the exam.
- DHe runs quick.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The very tall tree swayed in the wind.
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. In option A, 'very' is an adverb modifying the adjective 'tall,' indicating the degree of tallness. Options B and C incorrectly use adjectives ('beautiful,' 'quick') where adverbs ('beautifully,' 'quickly') are needed to modify the verbs.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This option incorrectly uses the adjective 'beautiful' instead of the adverb 'beautifully' to modify the verb 'sings'.
- C. This option uses 'hardly' as an adverb, but its meaning ('scarcely') changes the sentence's intent; it doesn't modify 'working' in the way 'very' modifies 'tall'. It's also an awkward construction for the intended meaning.
- D. This option incorrectly uses the adjective 'quick' instead of the adverb 'quickly' to modify the verb 'runs'.
Adverb Modifying Adjective
An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. When modifying an adjective, the adverb typically describes the degree or intensity of that adjective.
- Adverbs answer questions like 'how?', 'when?', 'where?', 'to what extent?'.
- Many adverbs end in '-ly'.
- Common adverbs that modify adjectives include 'very,' 'really,' 'extremely,' 'quite,' 'somewhat.'
Memory trick: Adverbs add a 'V'ivid 'A'ction or 'A'djective 'D'etail.