Adjectives describe nouns
An adjective can describe size, color, quantity, feeling or another feature. In “a quiet street,” quiet describes street.
Adverbs modify actions and descriptions
Adverbs often answer how, when, where or how much. In “She spoke softly,” softly describes how she spoke.
Comparative and superlative forms
Comparatives compare two items, often using -er or more. Superlatives compare three or more, often using -est or most. Avoid double forms such as “more easier.”
Place modifiers close to what they describe
A modifier placed too far from its target can create ambiguity. Position descriptive phrases near the word or action they are meant to modify.
Frequently asked questions
Do all adverbs end in -ly?
No. Words such as fast, often, very and well can function as adverbs without that ending.
Can a word be both an adjective and an adverb?
Yes. Some words, such as fast, can serve different grammatical roles depending on the sentence.