GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageMedium
A student is writing a narrative essay and wants to use an adverb to modify a verb. Which sentence correctly uses an adverb to modify a verb?
- AThe runner finished the race quick.
- BThe very fast runner quickly finished the race.
- CThe runner's quick pace led to a fast finish.
- DThe runner was quick to finish the race.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The very fast runner quickly finished the race.
An adverb modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. In option A, 'quickly' is an adverb modifying the verb 'finished'. 'Very' is also an adverb modifying the adjective 'fast'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Quick' is an adjective, but it is incorrectly used here to modify the verb 'finished'; it should be the adverb 'quickly'.
- C. 'Quick' and 'fast' are used as adjectives modifying 'pace' and 'finish' respectively.
- D. 'Quick' here functions as an adjective describing the runner's state, not an adverb modifying 'to finish'.
Adverb Modifying a Verb
An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. When modifying a verb, it describes how, when, where, or to what extent the action is performed. Many adverbs end in -ly.
- Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
- Answers how, when, where, to what extent.
- Often ends in -ly.
Memory trick: Adverbs add detail to actions, like a super-charger for verbs.