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Adverbs / Adjectives / Linking Verbs

The following is a mini-tutorial on the use of adverbs, adjectives, and linking verbs. After you have studied the tutorial, complete the associated exercises. If you are already familiar with these topics, you can skip the explanation and go directly to the exercises.
Adverbs
FORM

[adjective + ly]

There are also irregular adverbs such as "well" and "fast."
USE 1

Adverbs can be used to modify verbs.

Examples:

    John walked quickly towards the door.
    Sally sat silently waiting for somebody else to speak first.

USE 2

Adverbs can be used to modify adjectives.

Examples:

    The redwood tree was impressively tall.
    The blouse was outrageously expensive.

USE 3

Adverbs can be used to modify other adverbs.

Examples:

    She spoke extremely confidently.
    The cheetah ran incredibly quickly.

Adjectives
FORM

There are many different adjective endings including "-ive," "-ous," "-y," "-ful," "-ent" and many others. "Attractive," "envious," "lazy," "beautiful," and "intelligent" are all adjectives.
USE 1

Adjectives can be used to modify nouns.

Examples:

    Jack drives a big car.
    Sally writes beautiful poems.

USE 2

Adjectives often follow linking verbs (described below).

Examples:

    Max is tall.
    Sandra seems mad.

Linking Verbs
LIST

        to appear
        to be
        to become
        to feel
        to get
        to go
        to grow
        to look
   
        to prove
        to remain
        to seem
        to smell
        to sound
        to stay
        to taste
        to turn

USE

The linking verbs above are often followed by adjectives instead of adverbs. In such situations, the adjective describes the subject of the sentence rather than the verb. Study the examples below to learn the difference.

Examples:

    Mary seemed sad. Correct
    Mary seemed sadly. Not Correct
    The cake tastes good. Correct
    The cake tastes well. Not Correct
    The train is slow. Correct
    The train is slowly. Not Correct
    James grew tired. Correct
    Sarah remained calm. Correct
    The milk went bad. Correct
    The seas turned rough. Correct
    The negotiations proved pointless