HGUM-11 Modifiers 165-166

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Forms of Modifiers
A modifier is a word or word group that makes the meaning of another word or word group
more specific. An adjective is a modifier that makes the meaning of a noun or a pronoun more
specific. An adverb is a modifier that makes the meaning of a verb, an adjective, or another
USAGE
adverb more specific. Most, but not all, modifiers that end with –ly are adverbs.
ADJECTIVE The goalie made a costly error. [Costly makes the noun error more specific.]
ADVERB Lester was humming the song softly. [Softly makes the verb was humming more
specific.]
EXERCISE A In each of the following sentences, circle the word or words modified by the underlined
word.
Example 1. How familiar are you with the groundbreaking work of Charles Darwin?
1. Charles Darwin wrote his famous book after a trip through South America in 1832.
2. Darwin made a fascinating discovery in Argentina.
3. He discovered some enormous bones that were buried in the clay.
4. The bones were familiar in shape, but they were not very familiar in size.
5. Darwin had apparently uncovered skeletons of extinct creatures.
EXERCISE B In each sentence below, underline the correct modifier in parentheses. Then, circle the word
that it modifies.
Example 1. The golden retriever clung to the tennis ball (stubborn, stubbornly).
6. Armando looked (steady, steadily) for two weeks before finding a summer job.
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7. Roberta applied herself (diligent, diligently) to her studies.

8. The (mournful, mournfully) sound of the violin filled the hall.
9. The foreman explained the jury’s decision (succinct, succinctly).
10. Jacob glared (defiant, defiantly) at his opponent.
11. Miranda poured a glass of (clear, clearly) water.
12. Mom (gentle, gently) felt my forehead for any fever.
13. The student described the assignment (accurate, accurately).
14. A (cautious, cautiously) approach to making an important decision is usually best.
15. The trainer urged the runners on with (loud, loudly) cheers.
Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics: Language Skills Practice 165

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Phrases Used as Modifiers

Like one-word modifiers, phrases can also be used as adjectives and adverbs.
ADJECTIVE PHRASE Tony got a new job arranging flowers. [The participial phrase arranging
flowers acts as an adjective modifying the noun job.]
USAGE
ADVERB PHRASE That task would be difficult to accomplish by Friday. [The infinitive phrase to
accomplish by Friday acts as an adverb that modifies the adjective difficult.]
EXERCISE A In each of the following sentences, circle the word or words modified by the underlined
phrase.
Example 1. Do you ever make plans to do special things?
1. Echoing loudly through the room, the alarm clock woke Kim.
2. She was not a person to oversleep on the weekends, and today was special.
3. Kim and her best friend Felicia were going to the big soccer game across town.
4. Kim called Felicia, who was not easy to wake up in the morning.
5. Riding on the crowded bus, the students were eager to get to the stadium.
EXERCISE B In each of the following sentences, identify the underlined phrase as an adjective or an
adverb. Above the phrase, write ADJ for adjective or ADV for adverb. Then, circle the word the phrase
modifies.
ADV
Example 1. Please place the book on top of the bookcase.
6. Standing on his head, the clown balanced a tray of cupcakes in his right hand.
7. Mario always comes up with great ideas of things to do on a rainy day.
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8. Tara listened to the wind rustling the leaves.
9. I think the calico cat is the one to take home.
10. That is the letter for your mother.
11. After finishing our homework, we will play a game of basketball.
12. Nadia’s performance at the state competion impressed the judges.
13. Losing a game is not always easy for my little brother.
14. The quarterback threw the ball to the receiver.
15. Armed with pencil and paper, Brianna readied herself for the test.
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L09NAGUML11_165-185.

qxd 10/25/07 4:32 PM Page 165

NAME CLASS DATE

for CHAPTER 9: USING MODIFIERS CORRECTLY page 256

7. Roberta applied herself (diligent, diligently) to her studies.

Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics: Language Skills Practice 165

NAME CLASS DATE

for CHAPTER 9: USING MODIFIERS CORRECTLY page 257

Phrases Used as Modifiers

Example 1. Do you ever make plans to do special things?

Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

166 ELEMENTS OF LANGUAGE Fifth Course

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