Adverbs vs. Adjectives: How To Tell the Difference

The most common types of describing words are adverbs and adjectives. They have a lot in common, but they’re not used in the same way. So how can you tell what is an adverb vs. an adjective?

While adverbs and adjectives are both parts of speech that are used to describe something, the difference between them is what they describe: Adjectives describe nouns and pronouns, while adverbs are used to describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

Write with Confidence using Editor

Elevate your writing with real-time, intelligent assistance

Learn More

What is an adverb?

Adverbs describe verbs (action words), adjectives (words that describe a noun), or other adverbs. They usually end in -ly.

• She came over quickly to see what was going on.
• They finally replaced the light bulb.
• Those kids are unbelievably creative.

However, that’s not always the case.

• The bright yellow flowers lined the road.

In this example, “bright” is an adverb because it’s describing the color yellow (adjective), which is describing the flowers (noun).

Tip: Use adverbs sparingly.

The general recommendation in writing fiction is to use adverbs sparingly, as they can become a crutch that takes away from the full expression of the story. This is especially true when they’re used to describe a character’s speech. For example:

• “Fine, I’ll do it myself,” Jackson said angrily.

Not everything needs to be said dramatically, angrily, joyfully, emphatically, or brightly. It’s okay for characters to just say something. Rather than describe Jackson’s clenched jaw or how he slammed the door as he said it, the writer uses an adverb as a label for Jackson’s delivery—and the reader doesn’t get the full experience of the scene. If you include enough sensory or observational description, the character’s tone will speak for itself.

What is an adjective?

Adjectives are used to describe a noun (a person, place, thing, or idea). They describe its quality, quantity, or state of being—what kind or how many:

• My grandmother was always generous to her neighbors.
• Dinner looks gross tonight.
• I baked dozens of cupcakes for the birthday party.

Adjectives also describe a state of being or a sensory experience:

• The dog is happy to see me.
• Watch out for hungry bears on your hike.
• These are my most comfortable pajamas.

Nouns can also function as adjectives when they’re used to describe another noun. The nerdy grammatical term for this is “attributive nouns”:

• We’re going to the pumpkin patch.
• She turned on the porch light.

Tip: Use adjectives to set the scene.

The most engrossing stories bring the reader right into the scene, inviting them to hear, taste, smell, see, and feel the environment. Adjectives bring these details to life. Look at the difference in these two sentences:

• The car was parked on the side of the road.
• The blue car was parked on the right side of the gravel road.

The second example paints a detailed picture in the mind’s eye of the reader, bringing the scene to life. Create documents with built-in editing tools to help flag weak adjectives and keep your writing clear and impactful.

Adverbs and adjectives both add an expressive, descriptive element to your writing. They help the reader visualize the scene and hear a character’s tone of voice. Used well, they make for a richer experience both for you as you write and for your readers as they enjoy your work.