SAT Reading & Writing: Adjectives vs. Adverbs
20+ practice questions in Praczo
The concept, explained
- 1
Adjectives modify nouns and pronouns (The QUICK runner).
- 2
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs (He ran QUICKLY. She is EXTREMELY fast).
- 3
Adverbs frequently end in -ly, but not always (e.g., well, fast, very).
- 4
A common SAT error is using an adjective where an adverb is required. "The machine runs smooth" should be "The machine runs smoothly."
- 5
Exception: linking verbs (is, seems, feels, looks) take adjectives. "The soup smells deliciously" is incorrect; it must be "The soup smells delicious."
- ✗ Applying an adverb to a linking verb ("The music sounded loudly").
- ✗ Using an adjective to modify a verb ("She sang beautiful").
SAT-style practice
The manager handled the difficult customer _____ and resolved the dispute.
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