Adverbs vs. Adjectives Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.4.1.A

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Of the eight different parts of speech of the English language that students learn, the distinction between adverbs and adjectives often eludes most students. The goal of each of these parts of speech is to make your writing piece more intriguing and help you connect better with your audience. The proper use of these words often delineates the difference between good from great writers. The clear difference is as to the type of words that are being described, identified, or qualified in the sentences you are reviewing. Is the word a noun or pronoun, then an adjective is doing the work. If the word is adverb, adjective, or verb then an adverb is the culprit. The worksheets below will be looking at your ability to delineate between adverbs and adjectives.

Adverbs or Adjectives Worksheets To Print:

Adjective or Adverb? - These are surprisingly thick sentences. Describe the purpose of the words that are in bold.

Summer Vacation! - These are quick phrases your will most likely come across when school is out.

1 From Column A, 1 From B - Okay, the adjectives are really wrestled out for you. You will need to define the underlined word in these phrases.

Which Is It? - We are just worried about the underlined word, at first. Make sure to look at the example that is completed for you.

Hint, Hint... - Make sure to read carefully. You'll see what I mean just look at the hint. We look at how the ending -ly can change a words function in a sentence.

Adjectives in Disguise! - On the line, write whether the bolded word functions as an adjective or an adverb in each of the sentences.

Requirements?? - Circle the correct word to complete each sentence. Then underline the word it modifies.

Grammar Quiz! - Choose the correct word to complete each individual sentence.

A Little Frost in the Night - You are given a sizable passage and asked to pick out specific parts.

Modifiers - Think of a good word that fits and write it on the line. You will need to be creative here.

The Last Line - Write the modifier either before or after the word being modified. Then, on the last line, indicate which you used. Follow the example.

Passage It! - Write each word in the correct column. Use the back of the page if you need more space.

Making A List - Demonstrate that you understand whether the words are adjectives or adverbs by using each one correctly in a sentence.

First and Second String - It all ends up after you write that sentence. On the back of this page, use the word correctly in a sentence.

Reading Passage - Read the assigned passage. Make a list of each adjective and adverb you encounter.

What is the Difference between an Adverb and an Adjective?

We already talked about one difference above. That was the type of word they modify or cause some form impact on. Adjectives have two unique characteristics in that they often modify pronouns and they also answer one of the following three types of questions: How many? What kind? Which? For example: The handsome actor wore a dark suit. The words handsome and dark answer the question of, "What kind?" Adverbs are more apt to answer questions of how, when, or where. For example: Sarah generously offered her help for the weekend. The word generously helps us answer the question of "How?"


There are also some grammar rules that we can use to decide if a word is acting like an adjective or adverb. The first rule is a general rule that if a word ends in -ly then it is an adverb. If you apply this ending to an adjective, it will most likely transform into an adverb. The second rule applies when writing or in some cases spelling. If you are forming an answer to a "how" question, adverbs in that frame often cause grammar issues. We should also steer clear of adding -ly to ends of words that involve or senses. When you take into consideration the sense words: feel, hear, see, smell, and touch. You can easily see what we are talking about here.


A grammar challenge that follows most students well into adulthood is the usage of good (adjective) and well (adverb). So we should use the term good when we are describing a noun. When we are describing a job; we use the term good. Well describes how have performed the job. The only time this doesn't apply is when it comes to health. When describing someone's health well can be used as an adjective. For example: Heather came into work today and did not look well.