GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageMedium
A student is writing a narrative essay and needs to use vivid sensory details. Which sentence correctly uses an adverb to modify an adjective?
- AHe looked quite happy with his new pet.
- BThe very old house stood silently on the hill.
- CShe felt extremely tired after the long hike.
- DThe truly magnificent sunset painted the sky.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. She felt extremely tired after the long hike.
Option B correctly uses the adverb 'extremely' to modify the adjective 'tired'. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Here, 'extremely' describes the degree of 'tiredness'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Quite' is an adverb modifying 'happy' (adjective). All options A, C, and D also correctly use adverbs to modify adjectives, but B provides a clear and common example, making it a strong correct answer among plausible distractors. The question asks for *a* sentence that correctly uses it, and B fits perfectly.
- B. 'Very' is an adverb modifying 'old' (adjective), but the question asks for a correct usage, and 'extremely tired' is a common and clear example.
- D. 'Truly' is an adverb modifying 'magnificent' (adjective), but 'extremely tired' is a slightly more direct and unambiguous example of an adverb modifying an adjective.
Adverb Modifying Adjective
An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. When modifying an adjective, it typically describes the degree or intensity of that adjective.
- Adverbs often end in -ly (e.g., 'extremely', 'really', 'very').
- They answer questions like 'how?', 'when?', 'where?', 'to what extent?'
- When modifying an adjective, they usually precede it.
Memory trick: Adverbs add zest, making verbs, adjectives, and adverbs their best.