The Communicative Grammar of English Workbook - Edward Woods, Rudy Coppieters 2002

6.2. Adjective or adverb?
Unit six. Adjectives

Sections 445-447

Most adverbs in English are derived from adjectives by the addition of -ly, but there are some which do not end in -ly. These words can be used both as adjectives and adverbs.

An adjective is used after verbs of the senses. Here we consider the adjective to be a complement, not an adverbial.

The difference between an adverb form and an adjective form does not always involve a difference in meaning. The form without -ly tends to be more informal and is especially common in comparative and superlative constructions.

Task one **

Complete the following sentences, using an adjective OR a corresponding adverb ending in -ly related to the noun or verb in brackets.

1. Stung by so much criticism, the PM reacted very (anger) ... .

2. After the confrontation the headmaster felt extremely (anger) ... .

3. Most of the young recruits looked very (courage) ... .

4. The two frail women had behaved (courage) ... .

5. It all sounds (marvel) ..., doesn’t it?

6. This (marvel) ... executed story captures the spirit of the series perfectly.

7. It was a (delicacy) ... creamy soup.

8. The local food tastes (delicacy) ... .

9. That type of weakness is considered (fate) ... by most neutral observers.

10. Two firefighters were (fate) ... injured in the explosion.

11. Later that afternoon the sky turned (haze) ... .

12. The victim remembered the events only (haze) ... .

Task two **

Add the most appropriate of the adverbs listed below, using the base form OR the form ending in -ly. Each form should be used only once.

1. Does this train go to London ... or via Canterbury?

2. The Queen praised ... what had already been achieved.

3. With your help, one day I might come ... to being ’perfect’.

4. The landscape was stripped ... after the civil war.

5. Professor Appleby’s untimely death cut ... his brilliant career.

6. There have been more and more signs of unrest ... .

7. Due to fog I could ... make out the contours of the ferry.

8. Mrs Curry is in her late eighties and still going ... .

9. Regular troops were involved ... in the attack.

10. Captain Cook, I have received your message ... .

11. I’m not in town now but I will be ... .

12. The eagle was flying ... over the mountains.

13. Having worked ... all his life, the builder decided to retire at last.

14. There is no question: the chairman expressed himself ... .

15. We are already behind schedule, so we will arrive ... .

16. The two brothers ... resembled each other.

17. The two rapists have ... been punished for what they did.

18. The football fans are so disciplined that there is ... any need for a police presence.

19. The redecorated rooms smelled ... of paint.

20. The Internet Keyword brings you ... back here.