1. Overview:
Adjectives and adverbs are both parts of speech that modify or describe other words. Adjectives describe nouns (people, places, things), while adverbs describe verbs (actions), adjectives, or other adverbs. Understanding the differences helps you use them correctly in sentences.
2. Difference:
- Adjectives describe nouns and usually come before the noun or after a linking verb (like "be").
Examples:
The tall building is impressive.
The flowers smell beautiful.
The delicious cake was baked by Grandma.
- Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs and often tell how, when, where, or to what extent something happens. They usually come after the verb or at the end of the sentence.
Example:
She runs quickly.
He spoke softly.
The soup was extremely hot.
3. Exceptions or Things to Pay Attention To:
- Not all adverbs end in 'ly'. Examples include fast, hard, late, and well. These words can be both adjectives and adverbs.
Examples:
She arrived late. (adverb) vs. The late train caused a delay. (adjective)
He runs fast. (adverb) vs. The fast car zoomed past. (adjective)
- Some words ending in -ly (early, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly) can serve as both adjectives and adverbs.
Example:
He reads the daily news. (adjective) vs. He checks the news daily. (adverb).
They attend the weekly meeting on Mondays. (adjective) vs. The magazine is published weekly. (adverb).
4. Note the difference in meaning:
He came late (= adverb, meaning 'not on time').
I've been working a lot lately (= an adverb meaning 'recently').
She works hard (= adverb, meaning 'with a lot of effort').
She hardly works (= she does almost no work).
