Download Adjective Phrases vs. Adverb Phrases

Adjective Phrases
vs. Adverb Phrases
Spring 2013
Adjective Phrase/Clauses
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TRUTH: adjectives modify nouns
Soooo, adjective phrases/clauses modify nouns!
Examples:
The dog by the road looks hungry.
• dog = noun = “by the road” - adjective phrase
• Kids eat candy on the bus.
• candy = noun = “on the bus” - adjective phrase
Adverb Phrase/Clauses
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TRUTH: adverbs modify verbs
Soooo, adverb phrases/clauses modify verbs!
Examples:
The dog ate in a hurry.
• ate = verb = “in a hurry” - adverb phrase
• Kids eat on the bus.
• eat = verb = “on the bus” - adverb phrase
Remember…
• Modifying words and phrases are CLOSE
to the words that they describe.
• If not, then you have either a misplaced or
dangling modifier!!
Identify the underlined portion as being an
adjective or adverb phrase/clause.
• The book on the shelf is calling my name!
• Your answer?
• ANSWER: adjective phrase/clause
• book = noun
Identify the underlined portion as being an
adjective or adverb phrase/clause.
• The pizza got burned in the oven.
• Your answer?
• ANSWER: adverb phrase/clause
• got burned = verb
Identify the underlined portion as being an
adjective or adverb phrase/clause.
• Walking on the beach is great!
• Your answer?
• ANSWER: adjective phrase/clause
• walking = noun – gerund (“ing” + verbial)
Identify the underlined portion as being an
adjective or adverb phrase/clause.
• My toe, the one with lots of hair, is cold!
• Your answer?
• ANSWER: adjective phrase/clause
• toe = noun
Identify the underlined portion as being an
adjective or adverb phrase/clause.
• I just sat on a big bee!! OUCH!!
• Your answer?
• ANSWER: adverb phrase/clause
• sat = verb
Does the sentence contain a
misplaced or dangling modifier?
• We saw dinosaurs on a field trip to the
history museum.
• Answer?
• ANSWER: misplaced modifier 
• REALLY? Dinosaurs on a field trip?!
Does the sentence contain a
misplaced or dangling modifier?
• The woman walked the dog in purple
cowboy boots.
• Answer?
• ANSWER: misplaced modifier 
• REALLY? The dog had on boots?!
Does the sentence contain a
misplaced or dangling modifier?
• Coming out of the market, the bananas fell
on the pavement.
• Answer?
• ANSWER: dangling modifier 
• REALLY? The bananas walked
themselves out of the market?!
• Add words to clarify!!
Does the sentence contain a
misplaced or dangling modifier?
• I saw the dead dog driving down the
interstate.
• Answer?
• ANSWER: dangling modifier 
• REALLY? A dead dog was driving down
the interstate?!
• Add words to clarify!!