Adjectives and Adverbs: TEAS Practice Question with Answer & Explanation

Understanding Adjectives vs. Adverbs on the TEAS

To choose the correct sentence, you must distinguish between adverbs, which modify verbs, and adjectives, which modify nouns. This is a frequent topic on the TEAS English and Language Usage section.

Why Option D is Correct

In the sentence: "The nurse spoke calmly to the patient, even though he was not a calm person," we have two distinct modifiers:

1. Calmly: This is an adverb. It modifies the verb spoke. It answers the question: How did the nurse speak? Adverbs often (but not always) end in -ly.
2. Calm: This is an adjective. It modifies the noun person. It answers the question: What kind of person? Adjectives describe the qualities of people, places, or things.

Analysis of Incorrect Options

• Option A: "The nurse spoke calm..." This uses an adjective (calm) to modify a verb (spoke). Because "spoke" is an action verb, it requires the adverbial form "calmly."
• Option B: "...he was not a calmly person." This uses an adverb (calmly) to modify a noun (person). Adverbs cannot modify nouns; only adjectives can perform that function.
• Option C: This option contains both errors found in A and B. It uses an adjective where an adverb is needed ("spoke calm") and an adverb where an adjective is needed ("calmly person").

Key Grammatical Concepts

• Adverbs: Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They often tell us how, when, where, or to what extent.
• Adjectives: Modify nouns or pronouns. They tell us which one, what kind, or how many.
• Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs: Be careful with verbs like feel, look, or smell. If they function as linking verbs (e.g., "The nurse feels calm"), use an adjective. If they function as action verbs (e.g., "The nurse felt the pulse carefully"), use an adverb.

Memory Tip

To remember the difference, look at the end of the word. Adverbs often end in -LY, and they add info to the verb. (AD-VERB). If you are describing an action, you likely need that -ly ending!