Lesson 167 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverbs

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Adverbs are words that modify (1) verbs, (2) adjectives, and (3) other adverbs. They tell how (manner), when (time), where (place), how much (degree), and why (cause). 

 

Why is a common one-word adverb that tells why. Adverbs that tell us how, when, where, and why always modify the verb. These adverbs can shift location in the sentence without changing meaning or what they modify. Adverbs that tell us how much modify adjectives or other adverbs. Adverbs that tell how much will come just before the adjectives or adverbs that they modify. These adverbs are also called qualifiers because they strengthen or weaken the words they modify. 

 

Examples: 

He kicked the ball solidly. (how)

He kicked the ball immediately. (when)

He kicked the ball forward. (where)

He kicked the ball too hard. (how much)

Not and its contraction n't are adverbs. They really modify the entire sentence, but we will have them modify the verb as it is the most important word in the sentence. This is a common practice in grammar books.

Instructions: Find the adverbs in the following sentences and tell what word they modify.

1. Now and then I become creative.

2. Soon you will see that sight again.

3. He made the corrections on the computer immediately.

4. Sometimes you make unnecessary statements.

5. Lately I take walks often.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Now and then I become creative.

- now (when) and then (when) modify become

2. Soon you will see that sight again.

- soon (when) and again (when) modify will see

3. He made the corrections on the computer immediately.

- immediately (when) modifies made

4. Sometimes you make unnecessary statements.

- sometimes (when) modifies make

5. Lately I take walks often.

- lately (when) and often (when) modify take

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Lesson 367 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma after a conjunctive adverb or phrases like for example, in fact, or for instance used to join two main clauses. Common conjunctive adverbs are therefore, nevertheless, moreover, consequently, furthermore, besides, then, thus, instead, accordingly, otherwise, so, yet, still, hence, however. 

 

Example: 

Jill knew she could not win; nevertheless, she kept running.

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. The trip was wonderful; in fact everyone raved about it.

2. Will wants a promotion; therefore he is working overtime.

3. I do not believe a word he says; otherwise I would listen to his presentation.

4. You seem to be well-qualified; however your price is too high.

5. Your goals are unclear to me; so I will not vote for you.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The trip was wonderful; in fact, everyone raved about it.

2. Will wants a promotion; therefore, he is working overtime.

3. I do not believe a word he says; otherwise, I would listen to his presentation.

4. You seem to be well-qualified; however, your price is too high.

5. Your goals are unclear to me; so, I will not vote for you.

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Lesson 166 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverbs

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Adverbs are words that modify (1) verbs, (2) adjectives, and (3) other adverbs. They tell how (manner), when (time), where (place), how much (degree), and why (cause). 

 

Why is a common one-word adverb that tells why. Adverbs that tell us how, when, where, and why always modify the verb. These adverbs can shift location in the sentence without changing meaning or what they modify. Adverbs that tell us how much modify adjectives or other adverbs. Adverbs that tell how much will come just before the adjectives or adverbs that they modify. These adverbs are also called qualifiers because they strengthen or weaken the words they modify. 

 

Examples: 

He kicked the ball solidly. (how)

He kicked the ball immediately. (when)

He kicked the ball forward. (where)

He kicked the ball too hard. (how much)

Not and its contraction n't are adverbs. They really modify the entire sentence, but we will have them modify the verb as it is the most important word in the sentence. This is a common practice in grammar books.

Instructions: Find the adverbs in the following sentences and tell what word they modify.

1. The student angrily left the room.

2. Carefully Barbara backed the car from the driveway.

3. That family works well together.

4. Slowly but boldly the soldiers approached the fortress.

5. The organization unanimously voted to assist in the effort.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The student angrily left the room. 

- angrily (how) modifies left

2. Carefully Barbara backed the car from the driveway.

- carefully (how) modifies backed

3. That family works well together.

- well (how) and together (how) modify works

4. Slowly but boldly the soldiers approached the fortress.

- slowly (how) and boldly (how) modify approached

5. The organization unanimously voted to assist in the effort.

- unanimously (how) modifies voted

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Lesson 366 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma before the co-ordinate conjunctions that join independent clauses in a compound sentence. Very short clauses joined by and may omit the comma.

 

Examples: 

Harry will leave on the next flight, but you will join him in a week. 

You wash and I will dry.

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. She walked and he ran.

2. I went to New York by train but I returned by plane.

3. I neither like you nor will I assist you in your request.

4. He will have to help or the project will not be completed.

5. The boss will be here tomorrow and we will ask for a raise.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. She walked and he ran. (no comma needed, but you would not be wrong to use one after walked)

2. I went to New York by train, but I returned by plane.

3. I neither like you, nor will I assist you in your request.

4. He will have to help, or the project will not be completed.

5. The boss will be here tomorrow, and we will ask for a raise.

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Quiz for Lessons 161-165 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverbs

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Instructions: Find the adverbs in the following sentences and tell what word they modify.

1. The pancakes are almost ready.

2. The student answered the teacher nervously but clearly.

3. The tour will leave early today.

4. I am still unusually tired by afternoon.

5. The stranded hiker quietly gave up the chance of rescue.

6. Yesterday our fullback fumbled twice in the game.

7. Why couldn't you blow out your candles?

8. My little brother almost always eats the most at dinner.

9. Haven't you ridden your new motor bike yet?

10. Your essay was written very neatly and legibly.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The pancakes are almost ready.

- almost modifies ready

2. The student answered the teacher nervously but clearly.

- nervously and clearly modify answered

3. The tour will leave early today.

- early and today modify will leave

4. I am still unusually tired by afternoon.

- still modifies am

- unusually modifies tired

5. The stranded hiker quietly gave up the chance of rescue.

- quietly and up modify gave

6. Yesterday our fullback fumbled twice in the game.

- Yesterday and twice modify fumbled

7. Why couldn't you blow out your candles?

- Why, n't, and out modify could blow

8. My little brother almost always eats the most at dinner.

- always modifies eats

- almost modifies the adverb always

9. Haven't you ridden your new motor bike yet?

- n't and yet modify have ridden

10. Your essay was written very neatly and legibly.

- neatly and legibly modify was written

- very modifies neatly (possibly legibly also)

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Quiz for Lessons 361 - 365 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. Within the business was in turmoil.

2. Matthew is going to law school; John to the Air Force.

3. To Jim Ryan is a hero.

4. I like Halloween; Mother Thanksgiving; Barbara Christmas.

5. The antique which avoided being broken for many years was given to my grandmother by George Washington.

6. An apple not an orange keeps the doctor away.

7. We are still going on the hike aren't we?

8. The letter sent through the mail changed the course of the war.

9. You really like her don't you!

10. A person's personality not his looks really is important in a husband.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Within, the business was in turmoil.

2. Matthew is going to law school; John, to the Air Force.

3. To Jim, Ryan is a hero.

4. I like Halloween; Mother, Thanksgiving; Barbara, Christmas.

5. The antique, which avoided being broken for many years, was given to my grandmother by George Washington.

6. An apple, not an orange, keeps the doctor away.

7. We are still going on the hike, aren't we?

8. The letter, sent through the mail, changed the course of the war.

9. You really like her, don't you!

10. A person's personality, not his looks, really is important in a husband.

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Lesson 165 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverbs

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Adverbs are words that modify (1) verbs, (2) adjectives, and (3) other adverbs. They tell how (manner), when (time), where (place), how much (degree), and why (cause). 

 

Why is a common one-word adverb that tells why. Adverbs that tell us how, when, where, and why always modify the verb. These adverbs can shift location in the sentence without changing meaning or what they modify. Adverbs that tell us how much modify adjectives or other adverbs. Adverbs that tell how much will come just before the adjectives or adverbs that they modify. These adverbs are also called qualifiers because they strengthen or weaken the words they modify. 

 

Examples: 

He kicked the ball solidly. (how)

He kicked the ball immediately. (when)

He kicked the ball forward. (where)

He kicked the ball too hard. (how much)

Not and its contraction n't are adverbs. They really modify the entire sentence, but we will have them modify the verb as it is the most important word in the sentence. This is a common practice in grammar books.

Adverbial objectives or adverbial nouns are nouns used as adverbs. They usually tell amount, weight, time, distance, direction, or value. They can have adjectives modifying them. 

 

Example: 

He waited two days.

Instructions: Find the adverbs in the following sentences and tell what word they modify.

1. This suitcase weighs a ton.

2. The grandchildren happily swung back and forth in the swing.

3. The climber edged slowly and carefully along the ledge.

4. He is a rather bashful person.

5. Every afternoon the baby cries very forcefully for food.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. This suitcase weighs a ton.

- ton modifies weighs

2. The grandchildren happily swung back and forth in the swing.

- happily, back, and forth modify swung

3. The climber edged slowly and carefully along the ledge.

- slowly and carefully modify edged

4. He is a rather bashful person.

- rather modifies bashful

5. Every afternoon the baby cries very forcefully for food.

- afternoon and forcefully modify cries 

- very modifies forcefully

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Lesson 365 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma wherever necessary for clarity to prevent misreading. 

 

Example: 

Beneath, the water sparkled brilliantly. (clear) 

Beneath the water sparkled brilliantly. (confusing)

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. To write one must spend much time revising and proofreading.

2. After washing the boy left for the game.

3. Although a real diamond mine is rather small.

4. Inside the store contained many beautiful statues.

5. When eating a person should use good manners.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. To write, one must spend much time revising and proofreading.

2. After washing, the boy left for the game.

3. Although a real diamond, mine is rather small.

4. Inside, the store contained many beautiful statues.

5. When eating, a person should use good manners.

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Lesson 164 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverbs

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Adverbs are words that modify (1) verbs, (2) adjectives, and (3) other adverbs. They tell how (manner), when (time), where (place), how much (degree), and why (cause). 

 

Why is a common one-word adverb that tells why. Adverbs that tell us how, when, where, and why always modify the verb. These adverbs can shift location in the sentence without changing meaning or what they modify. Adverbs that tell us how much modify adjectives or other adverbs. Adverbs that tell how much will come just before the adjectives or adverbs that they modify. These adverbs are also called qualifiers because they strengthen or weaken the words they modify. 

 

Examples: 

He kicked the ball solidly. (how)

He kicked the ball immediately. (when)

He kicked the ball forward. (where)

He kicked the ball too hard. (how much)

Not and its contraction n't are adverbs. They really modify the entire sentence, but we will have them modify the verb as it is the most important word in the sentence. This is a common practice in grammar books.

Adverbial objectives or adverbial nouns are nouns used as adverbs. They usually tell amount, weight, time, distance, direction, or value. They can have adjectives modifying them. 

 

Example: 

He waited two days.

Instructions: Find the adverbial nouns in the following sentences and tell what word they modify.

1. Yesterday Jim came home.

2. Tomorrow I will walk a mile.

3. The boulder landed three feet from me.

4. Will works mornings and nights.

5. This package cost five dollars.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Yesterday Jim came home.

- Yesterday and home modify came

2. Tomorrow I will walk a mile.

- Tomorrow and mile modify will walk

3. The boulder landed three feet from me.

- feet modifies landed

4. Will works mornings and nights.

- mornings and nights modify works

5. This package cost five dollars.

- dollars modifies cost

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Lesson 364 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses and phrases. Nonrestrictive clauses and phrases are modifiers that can be omitted without changing the meaning of the main clause. 

 

Example: 

Our new boat, which we bought last week, is a pleasure to use. 

(The adjective clause is not needed to understand the meaning of the main clause.)

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. The Jazz which is a much different team from last year start the season next week.

2. The waiter balancing two trays of food saw our signal for the check.

3. Ads which are essential to our economy are very annoying much of the time.

4. For this job we need a person who is very creative.

5. The new baby delivered in the taxi changed our lives completely.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The Jazz, which is a much different team from last year, start the season next week.

2. The waiter, balancing two trays of food, saw our signal for the check.

3. Ads, which are essential to our economy, are very annoying much of the time.

4. No comma needed. The clause "who is very creative" is needed for the meaning of the main sentence.

5. The new baby, delivered in the taxi, changed our lives completely.

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Lesson 163 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverbs

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Adverbs are words that modify (1) verbs, (2) adjectives, and (3) other adverbs. They tell how (manner), when (time), where (place), how much (degree), and why (cause). 

 

Why is a common one-word adverb that tells why. Adverbs that tell us how, when, where, and why always modify the verb. These adverbs can shift location in the sentence without changing meaning or what they modify. Adverbs that tell us how much modify adjectives or other adverbs. Adverbs that tell how much will come just before the adjectives or adverbs that they modify. These adverbs are also called qualifiers because they strengthen or weaken the words they modify. 

 

Examples: 

He kicked the ball solidly. (how)

He kicked the ball immediately. (when)

He kicked the ball forward. (where)

He kicked the ball too hard. (how much)

Not and its contraction n't are adverbs. They really modify the entire sentence, but we will have them modify the verb as it is the most important word in the sentence. This is a common practice in grammar books.

Instruction: Find the adverbs modifying other adverbs in the following sentences and tell what word they modify.

1. The announcer should speak less loudly.

2. You should do much better.

3. People shouldn't change their jobs too often.

4. Very slowly the car started down the hill.

5. The contestant answered the question rather uncertainly.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The announcer should speak less loudly.

- less modifies loudly

2. You should do much better.

- much modifies better

3. People shouldn't change their jobs too often.

- too modifies often

4. Very slowly the car started down the hill.

- very modifies slowly

5. The contestant answered the question rather uncertainly.

- rather modifies uncertainly

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Lesson 363 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use commas to set off contrasted expressions. 

 

Example: 

His mother, not his father, is in charge.

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. Your car not your truck is the better vehicle to use.

2. My aunt not my uncle used to live here before.

3. You need to talk to the man at the end of the table not the one near the window.

4. Our track team not our baseball team won the championship.

5. Be sure to see the owner not the manager about the job.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Your car, not your truck, is the better vehicle to use.

2. My aunt, not my uncle, used to live here before.

3. You need to talk to the man at the end of the table, not the one near the window.

4. Our track team, not our baseball team, won the championship.

5. Be sure to see the owner, not the manager, about the job.

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Lesson 162 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverbs

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Adverbs are words that modify (1) verbs, (2) adjectives, and (3) other adverbs. They tell how (manner), when (time), where (place), how much (degree), and why (cause). 

 

Why is a common one-word adverb that tells why. Adverbs that tell us how, when, where, and why always modify the verb. These adverbs can shift location in the sentence without changing meaning or what they modify. Adverbs that tell us how much modify adjectives or other adverbs. Adverbs that tell how much will come just before the adjectives or adverbs that they modify. These adverbs are also called qualifiers because they strengthen or weaken the words they modify. 

 

Examples: 

He kicked the ball solidly. (how)

He kicked the ball immediately. (when)

He kicked the ball forward. (where)

He kicked the ball too hard. (how much)

Not and its contraction n't are adverbs. They really modify the entire sentence, but we will have them modify the verb as it is the most important word in the sentence. This is a common practice in grammar books.

Instructions: Find the adverbs in the following sentences and tell what word they modify. They will all modify an adjective.

1. An unusually intelligent group attended the lecture.

2. My wife has an exceptionally keen mind.

3. We have had a surprisingly small amount of snow.

4. The bus to Trax was very late.

5. The train car was completely full.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. An unusually intelligent group attended the lecture.

- unusually modifies intelligent

2. My wife has an exceptionally keen mind.

- exceptionally modifies keen

3. We have had a surprisingly small amount of snow.

- surprisingly modifies small

4. The bus to Trax was very late.

- very modifies late

5. The train car was completely full.

- completely modifies full

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Lesson 362 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma when words are omitted from parallel clauses in a compound sentence. 

 

Example: 

Mother baked an apple pie, and Aunt Gayle, a chocolate cake.

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. Fred asked the question; Sarah the answer.

2. I like classical music; my wife country music.

3. Ann graduated from Utah State University, and Boyd Arizona State University.

4. This box has the books, and that box the recordings.

5. Stephanie told a funny story; Alaina a scary one.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Fred asked the question; Sarah, the answer.

2. I like classical music; my wife, country music.

3. Ann graduated from Utah State University, and Boyd, Arizona State University.

4. This box has the books, and that box, the recordings.

5. Stephanie told a funny story; Alaina, a scary one.

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