Distinguish adjectives from adverbs so that you select the correct forms of these modifiers. (See also R2-a.)

G7-a Select an adverb, not an adjective, to modify an adjective, another adverb, or a verb.

Often ending in -ly, adverbs tell how, when, where, why, and how often.

Change an adjective that modifies another adjective, an adverb, or a verb to an adverb form.

Adjective forms that are common in informal, spoken conversation should be changed to adverb forms in more formal writing.

G7-b Select an adjective, not an adverb, to modify a noun or pronoun.

H-26

Change an adverb that modifies a noun or a pronoun to an adjective.

An adjective generally appears immediately before or after the word it modifies. When an adjective acts as a subject complement, however, it is separated from the word it modifies by a linking verb.

Note: Some verbs (such as looked) act as linking verbs only in certain contexts. When one of these verbs connects a subject and its complement, use an adjective form: She looked ill. However, when the verb expresses an action and is modified by the word that follows it, use an adverb: She looked quickly.

G7-c Select the correct forms of adjectives and adverbs to show comparisons.

Add -er or -est to short words (one or two syllables), and use more, most, less, and least with longer words and all -ly adverbs.

Use -er, more, or less (the comparative form) to compare two things.

Use -est, most, or least (the superlative form) to compare three or more things.

Change the forms of adjectives and adverbs to show comparison precisely.