Using Modifiers ,Adjectives and Adverbs
Using Modifiers ,Adjectives and Adverbs
Using Modifiers
Modifiers are words that describe other words or give more specific information about (modify) their meanings. Modifiers function as either adjectives or adverbs.
The use of modifiers such as adjectives and adverbs helps make your written memories vivid and unique.
Using Adjectives
Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns. Adjectives answer the questions which one, what kind, how many, and how much.
Which one? this recollection, that reminder, those memories
What kind? wonderful memory, fond letter, poignant memoir
How many? ten scrapbooks, many entries, few mementos
How much? Some facts, enough experience, plentiful life
Other words – nouns, pronouns, and participles – can also function as adjectives.
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Other Words Used as Adjectives |
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Nouns |
Psychology class, brain waves |
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Possessive nouns and pronouns |
My memory, your ancestors, our past, Aleka Lema’s Manuscript |
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Indefinite pronouns |
Any Doctor, few people, many seniors |
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Demonstrative pronouns |
That fact, those pictures |
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Participles |
Locked diary, missing image |
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Numbers |
Five books |
Using Adverbs
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Adverbs answers the questions where, when, how, and to what extent?
Example:
Salespeople daily depend on their memories of names. (When) Some remember names easily.
(How) Others remember best the ones they study carefully. (To what extent)
Why it Matters in Writing
Modifiers add detail and convey a fuller image of your subject. Notice how the modifiers in the excerpt below give a detailed picture of the woman.
LITERARY MODEL
She was young, brilliant, extremely modern, exquisitely well dressed, amazingly well read in the newest of the new books, and her parties were
the most delicious mixture of the really important people and … artists-quaint creatures, discoveries of hers, some of them too terrifying for words,
but others quite presentable and amusing.
-Katherine Mansfield, “A Cup of Tea”