Lipinski/EdmondsName______
MODIFIER USAGE
I. ADJECTIVE AND ADVERB FORMS
A. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. If a word in the predicate modifies the subject of the sentence (comes after a
linking verb), use the ADJECTIVE form
Example: The calf grows fat.
(fat describes calf; adjective form)
2. If a word in the predicate modifies the verb of the sentence (comes after an
action verb), use the ADVERB form.
Example: The calf grows quickly.
(quickly describes grows; adverb form)
B. BAD VS. BADLY
1. Bad = Adjective
Example: The child in the corner was bad.
The rotten milk smelled bad.
2. Badly = Adverb
Example: The child behaved badly.
The old roof leaked badly.
C. WELL VS. GOOD
1. Well = Adjective or Adverb
a. as adjective
(1). To be in good health.
Ex. After a long illness, Greg is now well.
(2). To appear well dressed or well groomed.
Ex. She looks well in red.
(3). To be satisfactory.
Ex. It appears that everything here is well.
b. as adverb-- capably
Ex. She is able to play the piano quite well.
2. Good = Adjective
Example: Although he is not athletic, he is a good singer.
NOT: He sings good
D. SLOW VS. SLOWLY
1. Slow= adjective or adverb (when it refers to going or driving)
Example: He is a slow student.
Remember, go slow!
2. Slowly = adverb
Example: The cat crept forward very slowly.
II. COMPARISON OF MODIFIERS
A. Regular Comparison-- 1 syllable words; most 2 syllable words
PositiveComparativeSuperlative
wordword + erword + est
lowlowerlowest
smallsmallersmallest
thinthinnerthinnest
B. Regular Comparison-- some 2 syllable words; 3+ syllable words
PositiveComparativeSuperlative
wordmore + wordmost + word
awkwardmore awkwardmost awkward
beautifulmore beautifulmost beautiful
C. Irregular Comparison
PositiveComparativeSuperlative
badworseworst
goodbetterbest
wellbetterbest
littlelessleast
manymoremost
muchmoremost
D. Rules Regarding Comparison of modifiers
1. Comparative vs. Superlative
a. Use the comparative degree when you compare two things
Example: Miss Brown is taller than Mrs. Smith
b. Use the superlative degree when you compare three or more things
Example: Miss Newton is the tallest of the three teachers.
2. Do not omit the word "other" or "else" when comparing one thing with a group
of which it is a part.
Example: NOT Our school is smaller than any in the country.
BUT Our school is smaller than any other in the country.
3. Do not use double comparisons
Example: NOT The sequel was more scarier than the first one.
BUT The sequel was scarier (or more scary) than the first one.