104 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 4 Grammar Skills Adverbs An adverb is a word that describes a verb, adjective, clause, or another adverb. Adverbs tell how, when, or where something is done. They can also limit or qualify a description. In the first example that follows, beautifully tells how Jose sang and yesterday tells when he sang. Both adverbs modify the verb sang. In the second example, fast tells how the girl ran. Very qualifies the adverb fast. In the third example, perhaps qualifies the first clause of the sentence. In the last example, finally modifies the rest of the sentence (an independent clause). Jose sang beautifully yesterday. The girl ran very fast. Perhaps this answer is correct, but I am not sure. Finally, she will finish her work. Forms of Adverbs Adverbs have three forms: positive, comparative, and superlative. Positive adverbs describe, but do not compare, actions or qualities. Comparative adverbs compare two actions, conditions, or qualities. Add er or more to create the comparative form of most adverbs. Superlative adverbs compare three or more actions, conditions, or qualities. Add est or most to create the superlative form of most adverbs. Positive Aysha drives fast. The painting is beautiful. Comparative Aysha drives faster than Janet. Jia Li’s painting is more beautiful than Jeanette’s painting. Superlative Aysha drives fastest of all contestants. Jia Li’s painting is the most beautiful of all the paintings. Some adverbs do not have comparative or superlative forms. Examples of these adverbs include almost, before, here, there, now, then, too, very, and never. These adverbs express qualities or conditions that are not suitable for comparison. Some adverbs, such as little, much, bad, and well, have irregular comparative and superlative forms. Consult a dictionary when you are unsure about how to form the comparative or superlative form of an adverb. The sentence, “Tropical fish are colorful” uses a positive adverb. Natursports/Shutterstock.com