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Adjective or Adverb

  • Adjectives are used to modify nouns:

    The dog is loud.

  • Adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs:

    The dog barks loudly.

Linking Verbs

Some verbs can only be used with adjectives, others might change their meaning when used with an adverb.

verb used with an adjective used with an adverb
looklook good (= appearance)look well (= healthy)
feelfeel good (= state of health/mind)feel well (= have a good sense of touch)
smellsmell good (= odour)smell well (= have a good sense of smell)
tastetaste good (= preference)taste well (= have a good sense of taste)

The following verbs can only be used with adjectives:

  • be
  • become
  • get
  • grow
  • keep
  • remain
  • seem
  • sound
  • stay
  • turn

Exercises on Adjectives or Adverbs