English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Choose between adjectives and adverbs
Choose between adjectives and adverbs
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Distinguish between adjectives and adverbs based on their function in a sentence.
Identify the word or phrase an adjective modifies.
Identify the word or phrase an adverb modifies.
Correctly choose between an adjective and an adverb to modify a noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, or another adverb.
Apply the rule for using adjectives after linking verbs.
Revise sentences to correct common errors in adjective and adverb usage.
Explain how precise use of adjectives and adverbs enhances descriptive and argumentative writing.
Ever wonder why some sentences sound 'just right' while others feel a little off? 🤔 It often comes down to choosing the perfect word to describe something!
In this lesson, you'll become a word detective, learning how to ch...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
AdjectiveA word that describes or modifies a noun or a pronoun. It tells 'which one,' 'what kind,' or 'how many.'The *red* ball bounced. (*Red* describes the noun 'ball'.)
AdverbA word that describes or modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It tells 'how,' 'when,' 'where,' 'why,' 'to what extent,' or 'how often.' Many adverbs end in -ly.She sang *beautifully*. (*Beautifully* describes the verb 'sang'.)
ModifyTo change, limit, or add more information to another word. Adjectives modify nouns/pronouns, and adverbs modify verbs/adjectives/adverbs.The *fast* car drove *quickly*. ('Fast' modifies 'car'; 'quickly' modifies &...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
The Adjective Rule: Describing Nouns and Pronouns
Use an adjective to describe a noun or a pronoun.
If you want to tell 'what kind,' 'which one,' or 'how many' about a person, place, thing, or idea, you need an adjective. Adjectives usually come before the noun they describe or after a linking verb.
The Adverb Rule: Describing Verbs, Adjectives, and Other Adverbs
Use an adverb to describe a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
If you want to tell 'how,' 'when,' 'where,' or 'to what extent' about an action, a description, or another modifier, you need an adverb. Many adverbs end in -ly.
The Linking Verb Exception
After a linking verb, always use an adjective, not an adverb, to describe the subject....
5 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
In which sentence is the word 'fast' used as an adverb?
A.The cheetah is a fast animal.
B.He drives a very fast car.
C.That was a fast game of chess.
D.She ran fast to catch the bus.
Challenging
A student wrote: 'After being sick for a week, I finally feel well again.' Why is 'well' the correct word choice instead of 'good'?
A.Because in this context, 'feel' is a linking verb, and 'well' is used as an adjective meaning 'in good health'.
B.Because 'well' is always the correct word to use after the verb 'feel'.
C.Because 'feel' is an action verb in this sentence, so it needs the adverb 'well'.
D.Because 'good' is only used to describe objects, not people's feelings.
Challenging
Consider the sentence: 'The witness remained _______ during the intense questioning.' Which choice is correct and for what reason?
A.calm, because 'remained' is a linking verb connecting the subject to a description.
B.calmly, because 'calmly' describes how the witness performed the action of remaining.
C.calm, because adjectives are always shorter than adverbs.
D.calmly, because all words ending in -ly are adverbs that modify verbs.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free