Not and its contraction n't are adverbs.
They really modify the entire sentence, but we will have them modify the
verb as it is the most important word in the sentence. This is a common
practice in grammar books. Remember that adverbs tell us how, when, where,
why, and how much and modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
and its contraction are adverbs. They really
modify the entire sentence, but we will have them modify the verb as it is
the most important word in the sentence. This is a common practice in
grammar books. Remember that adverbs tell us and andand.
Find the adverbs in these sentences and
tell which word they modify.
1. Terri did not do the work correctly.
2. Mom was never so deeply pleased with the
kids.
3. Badger actually likes almost every cat
he sees.
4. I recently found that you wouldn't help.
5. You will not go tomorrow to that very
scary movie.
Answers
1. not, correctly (both words modify the
verb did do)
2. never, so, deeply (never and
deeply modify the verb was pleased; so modifies
deeply telling how much)
3. actually, almost (actually
modifies the verb likes; almost modifies every
telling how much)
4. recently, n't (recently
modifies the verb found; n't modifies the verb would
help)
5. not, tomorrow, very (not and
tomorrow modify the verb will go; very modifies
scary telling how much)
Note: Adverbs that modify verbs always
modify the whole verb phrase when it is made up of more than one word.