1. Adjectives and Adverbs
What’s the Story?

2. Overview Adverbs modify Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns
Usually come before the word they modify
Occasionally come after
Adverbs modify
Verbs
Adjectives
Other adverbs

3. Adjective Examples:
The beautiful, red leaves of the maple tree seem to sparkle in the bright sunlight.
The sharp smell of burning leaves always reminds me of fall.

4. But adjectives are not THAT easy. . .
A SUBJECT COMPLEMENT follows a linking verb and completes the meaning of the subject.
When an adjective functions as a subject complement, it describes the subject.
Justice is blind.

5. The Problem: linking verbs
Smell
Taste
Look
Feel
Sometimes the words function as linking verbs.
If the word following one of these verbs describes the subject, use an adjective.
If the word following the verb modifies the verb, use an adverb.

6. For Example:
The lilacs in our backyard smell especially sweetly sweet this year.
The verb smell suggests a state of being, not an action; therefore, it should be followed by an adjective, not an adverb.
The drawing looked well good after the architect made a few changes.

7. A Common Mistake
When the verb feel refers to the state of a person’s health or emotions, it is a linking verb and should be followed by an adjective (such as bad) instead of an adverb (such as badly).
We felt badly bad when we heard of your grandmother’s death.

8. OBJECT COMPLEMENTS
An object complement follows a direct object and completes its meaning.
When an adjective functions as an object complement, it describes the direct object.
Sorrow makes us wise.

9. Object complements occur with verbs such as
When a modifier follows follows the direct object of one of these verbs, use
an adjective to describe the direct object
The referee called the plays perfect.
an adverb to modify the verb
The referee called the plays perfectly.
Call
Consider
Create
Find
Keep
Make

10. ADVERBS Usually answer When? Where? How? Why? Under what conditions?
How often?
To what degree?

11. The Problem: Adjectives are often used incorrectly in place of adverbs.
The transportation arrangement worked out perfect perfectly for everyone.
The manager must see that the office runs smooth smoothly and efficient efficiently.

12. Try this one:
The chance of recovering any property lost in the fire looks real slim.
Only adverbs can modify adjectives or other adverbs.
Really intensifies the meaning of the adjective slim.
The chance of recovering any property lost in the fire looks really slim.

13. Another Problem: good & well
Which is the adjective and which is the adverb?
Good
Well
We were glad that Sonya has done good on the CPA exam.
We were glad that Sonya has done well on the CPA exam.

14. But well can be an adjective!
I feel very well today.
All is well.
It is just as well.