Conventions of Composition Rule 150
Conventions of Composition Rule 150
Rules: Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs. Adjectives modify nouns and pronouns. An adjective must not be used adverbially (as a modifier of a verb, adjective, infinitive, or participle).
Examples:
Correct: He ran easily, well, ill, badly, hard, fast, etc.
Correct [comparative and superlative forms]: He jogged more easily, most easily, harder, fastest, etc.
Practice deciding whether to use an adjective or an adverb:
- Their quickly swimming made them the better water polo team.
- Frankie reads so easy and fluent that nobody can believe he's only four.
- If the child behaves good, he can often earn more privileges.
- Ever since recovering from her horrible head cold, Harley smells good again.
Resources for further explanation of the differences between adjectives and adverbs:
Purdue OWL's The Difference between Adjectives and Adverbs
Grammar Book's Adjectives and Adverbs