Vocabulary Workshop Level G Review Units 4-6 Answers

Using Modifiers Correctly

Introduction

Ever been puzzled about how to make your sentences more vivid and precise? Imagine a story without descriptive elements—monotonous and bland, right? That's where modifiers come into play. Modifiers, including adjectives and adverbs, are the unsung heroes of language that add color, depth, and specificity to your writing. Whether you're a student trying to ace your grammar test or a professional aiming to polish your communication skills, understanding how to use modifiers correctly can significantly enhance your writing prowess.

Forms of Modifiers

A modifier is a word or word group that makes the meaning of another word or word group more specific. The two kinds of modifiers are adjectives and adverbs.

One-Word Modifiers

Adjectives

An adjective makes the meaning of a noun or a pronoun more specific.

EXAMPLES

• perfect score
• eager participant
• Irish accent
• clear water
• last one
• falling snow

Adverbs

An adverb makes the meaning of a verb, an adjective, or another adverb more specific.

EXAMPLES

• walks briskly
• ran very quickly
• completely innocent
• not lonesome

Phrases Used as Modifiers

Like one-word modifiers, phrases can also be used as adjectives and adverbs.

EXAMPLES

• I prefer this time of the year. [The prepositional phrase of the year acts as an adjective that modifies the noun time.]
• Falling from the very top of the tree, the leaf seemed to take hours to float to the ground. [The participial phrase Falling from the very top of the tree acts as an adjective that modifies the noun leaf.]
• Drive especially carefully on wet roads. [The prepositional phrase on wet roads acts as an adverb that modifies the verb Drive.]
• You will have to climb to the top of that hill to see what is happening on the other side. [The infinitive phrase to see what is happening on the other side acts as an adverb that modifies the verb climb.]

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Clauses Used as Modifiers

Like words and phrases, clauses can also be used as modifiers.

EXAMPLES

• Guglielmo Marconi helped develop wireless telegraphy, which we now know as radio. [The adjective clause which we now know as radio modifies the noun telegraphy.]
• Before he became famous for such feats as sending a message across the Atlantic Ocean, Marconi worked in his father’s attic, sending signals across the room. [The adverb clause Before he became famous for such feats as sending a message across the Atlantic Ocean modifies the verb worked.]

Using Modifiers Correctly Practice

Identifying Adjectives and Adverbs

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For each of the following sentences, tell whether the italicized word or word group functions as an adjective or an adverb.

Conclusion

In summary, modifiers are indispensable tools that can transform your writing from mundane to mesmerizing. From one-word adjectives and adverbs to intricate phrases and clauses, each type of modifier serves a unique purpose in making your message more compelling and precise. Mastering the use of modifiers is not just about following grammatical rules; it's about harnessing the full potential of language to express yourself more effectively. So, the next time you write, remember to wield these powerful tools wisely and watch your words come to life.