Verbs used as Adjectives
Many words that look like verbs can function as adjectives in sentences. Some verb forms, especially those ending in -ing and -ed function as adjectives when they modify a noun.
VERBS ADJECTIVES
The owl was sitting still. The sitting owl was still.
The ice melted in the sun. The melted ice was in the sun.
Distinguishing between verbs and adjectives.
identify whether the underlined word in each sentence below functions as a verb or as an adjective. If it functions as an adjective, tell which word it modifies.
Example: A startled peacock will make a lot of noise.
Answer: adjective, modifies peacock.
1. The peacock, a member of the pheasant family, is known for its brilliantly colored feathers.
2. Only the males are endowed with colorful feathers.
3. The camouflaged females, called peahens, have drab brown-and-green feathers.
4. Competing males display their ornate feathers to attract mates.
5. At night, peacocks usually sleep in high tree branches.
6. Consuming small snakes and lizards, they spend their days on the ground.
7. Scientists thought that these birds inhabited only the forests of Southeast Asia.
8. The Congo peacock is a rare species that occupies a very confined area in central Africa.
9. Because it had eluded scientists until 1936, this bird was considered a living mystery when it was discovered.
10. Today, the Congo peacock is a protected species.
Part II
Write 2 sentences for each word below. Use the word as a verb in one sentence and as an adjective in the 2nd sentence.
1-2 following
3-4 carved
5-6 breathing
7-8 startled
9-10 mooning
Many words that look like verbs can function as adjectives in sentences. Some verb forms, especially those ending in -ing and -ed function as adjectives when they modify a noun.
VERBS ADJECTIVES
The owl was sitting still. The sitting owl was still.
The ice melted in the sun. The melted ice was in the sun.
Distinguishing between verbs and adjectives.
identify whether the underlined word in each sentence below functions as a verb or as an adjective. If it functions as an adjective, tell which word it modifies.
Example: A startled peacock will make a lot of noise.
Answer: adjective, modifies peacock.
1. The peacock, a member of the pheasant family, is known for its brilliantly colored feathers.
2. Only the males are endowed with colorful feathers.
3. The camouflaged females, called peahens, have drab brown-and-green feathers.
4. Competing males display their ornate feathers to attract mates.
5. At night, peacocks usually sleep in high tree branches.
6. Consuming small snakes and lizards, they spend their days on the ground.
7. Scientists thought that these birds inhabited only the forests of Southeast Asia.
8. The Congo peacock is a rare species that occupies a very confined area in central Africa.
9. Because it had eluded scientists until 1936, this bird was considered a living mystery when it was discovered.
10. Today, the Congo peacock is a protected species.
Part II
Write 2 sentences for each word below. Use the word as a verb in one sentence and as an adjective in the 2nd sentence.
1-2 following
3-4 carved
5-6 breathing
7-8 startled
9-10 mooning