Helping English

Definition of Modifiers

A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes, limits, or qualifies another word in a sentence. Modifiers add details and make sentences more specific and informative.

🧩 Types of Modifiers

1. Adjective – Describes or modifies a noun or pronoun.
   Example: The blue sky looked beautiful.
2. Adverb – Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, often showing how, when, where, or to what extent.
   Example: She ran quickly to catch the bus.
3. Adjective Phrase – A group of words that acts as an adjective.
   Example: The boy with curly hair is my brother.
4. Adverb Phrase – A group of words that acts as an adverb.
   Example: He arrived in a hurry.
5. Adjective Clause – A dependent clause that describes a noun or pronoun.
   Example: The girl who wore the red dress won the contest.
6. Adverb Clause – A dependent clause that modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb.
   Example: I’ll call you when I get home.

✏️ Exercise: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Modifier

Instructions: Fill in each blank with the correct form of the modifier (adjective or adverb). Choose your words carefully based on what they are modifying.

1. She sings __________. (beautiful / beautifully)
2. The __________ dog barked at the stranger. (angry / angrily)
3. He solved the puzzle __________ than anyone else. (quick / more quickly)
4. This is the __________ movie I’ve ever seen. (bad / worst)
5. They acted __________ during the emergency. (calm / calmly)
6. The __________ flowers in the vase are from my garden. (colorful / colorfully)
7. We arrived __________ than expected. (late / later)
8. That was a __________ decision. (wise / wisely)
9. She danced so __________ that everyone clapped. (grace / gracefully)
10. I need a __________ explanation to understand the topic. (clear / clearly)

✅ Answer Key

1. beautifully
2. angry
3. more quickly
4. worst
5. calmly
6. colorful
7. later
8. wise
9. gracefully
10. clear