Overview
This lecture explains how to identify adverbs in English using distribution tests, highlighting key differences between adverbs and adjectives.
Identifying Adverbs: Distribution Tests
- Adverbs cannot follow "seem" or "become" on their own (e.g., "seems probably" is ungrammatical).
- Adverbs often (but not always) fit between the subject and auxiliary verb (e.g., "The angry Cowboy probably will meet his friends").
- Adverbs cannot take direct objects (e.g., "will probably it meet" is ungrammatical).
- Many adverbs end with the "-ly" suffix, though this is not a definitive test.
Adverbs vs. Adjectives
- Adjectives can follow "seem" or "become" (e.g., "seems friendly" is grammatical).
- Not all words ending in "-ly" are adverbs; some, like "friendly," are adjectives.
- Always use multiple tests to determine word category, not just the "-ly" ending.
Example Sentences and Application
- Testing "probably": "The cowboy meeting his friends outside seems probably" (fails, so "probably" is an adverb).
- "The angry Cowboy will probably meet his friends" supports adverb placement.
- "The plan seemed absolutely impossible": "absolutely" fails the "seems" test, so it's an adverb here.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Adverb — A word that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often indicating manner, time, or degree.
- Adjective — A word that modifies nouns, describing qualities or states.
- Auxiliary Verb — A helping verb used with a main verb to form tense, mood, or voice.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice applying adverb distribution tests to new sentences.
- Watch the next video on prepositions and their distribution tests.