Using Degrees of Comparison (Adjectives vs. Adverbs)

Identify whether the underlined word used in the sentence is an adjective or an adverb.

The valedictorian graciously accepted the award in front of the graduating batch.

• ADJECTIVE

• ADVERB

Answer explanation

Graciously is used as an adverb because it is describing a verb (how the valedictorian accepted the award). This adverb of manner is in the positive degree because it does not make any comparison.

Identify whether the underlined word used in the sentence is an adjective or an adverb.

Today's commencement exercise is more energetic than the previous one conducted online.

• ADJECTIVE

• ADVERB

Answer explanation

More energetic is used as an adjective because it is describing a noun (commencement exercise). This adjective is in the comparative degree because it is being compared with the previous commencement exercise.

Identify whether the underlined word used in the sentence is an adjective or an adverb.

As head of the program committee, she has the most terribly responsible job in the group.

• ADJECTIVE

• ADVERB

Answer explanation

Most terribly is used as an adverb because it is describing an adjective (how much of a responsibility the job is). This adverb of degree is in the superlative degree to indicate that the job is of the highest level compared with other jobs.

Identify whether the underlined word used in the sentence is an adjective or an adverb.

Studying a single subject for a long period of time and repeating phrases over and over to memorize them is the least efficient way to review lessons.

• ADJECTIVE

• ADVERB

Answer explanation

Least efficient is used as an adjective because it is describing a noun (way to study). This adjective is in the superlative degree because among the different ways to study, it is the least efficient.

Identify whether the underlined word used in the sentence is an adjective or an adverb.

For the intermission number, the current presenters are dancing less elegantly than the previous group did.

• ADJECTIVE

• ADVERB

Answer explanation

Less elegantly is used as an adverb because it is describing a verb (are dancing). This adverb of manner is in the comparative degree because it is being compared with the previous intermission number.

Complete the meaning of the sentence by selecting the appropriate adjective or adverb.

I take (careful, carefully) notes of our lessons during synchronous classes, so I can compile them in a reviewer later.

• careful

• carefully

Answer explanation

The correct word to complete the meaning of the sentence is an adjective to describe a noun (notes). Careful is an adjective in the positive degree because it is not making any comparison.

Complete the meaning of the sentence by selecting the appropriate adjective or adverb.

I can now solve Math problems (more quick, more quickly) than I did last year.

• quick

• quickly

Answer explanation

The correct word to complete the meaning of the sentence is an adverb of manner to describe a verb (how quick I can solve a Math problem). More quickly is an adverb in the comparative degree because it is compared with how quickly I can solve Math problems before.

Complete the meaning of the sentence by selecting the appropriate adjective or adverb.

Friends who have a (good, well) sense of humor are fun to hang out with.

• good

• well

Answer explanation

The correct word to complete the meaning of the sentence is an adjective to describe a noun (sense of humor). Good is an adjective in the positive degree because it is not making any comparison.

Complete the meaning of the sentence by selecting the appropriate adjective or adverb.

We all have the (natural, naturally) desire to help others in need.

• natural

• naturally

Answer explanation

The correct word to complete the meaning of the sentence is an adjective to describe a noun (desire). Natural is an adjective in the positive degree because it is not making any comparison.

Complete the meaning of the sentence by selecting the appropriate adjective or adverb.

In my opinion, Tchaikovsky was the most (incredible, incredibly) talented composer and pianist of his generation.

• incredible

• incredibly

Answer explanation

The correct word to complete the meaning of the sentence is an adverb of degree to describe an adjective (talented). Most incredibly is an adverb in the superlative degree because compared with other pianists. Tchaikovsky was the most incredibly talented.