Plain English

by Marian Wharton

Exercise 2

Which phrases in the following sentences are used as adjectives and which phrases are used as adverbs?

Change these phrases to adjectives or adverbs, if you can think of any that express the same meaning.

1. Men lived in caves long ago.
2. Man's discovery of fire was the beginning of industry.
3. After this discovery, men lived in groups.
4. The work of the world is done by machinery.
5. The workers of Europe were betrayed.
6. They are fighting for their country.
7. The struggle for markets is the cause of war.
8. The history of the world records the struggle of the workers.
9. The idea of democracy is equal opportunity for all.
10. The invention of the printing press placed knowledge within the reach of the masses.
11. If you will study with diligence you can learn with ease.
12. This knowledge will be of great value to you.
13. Diplomacy means that the plans of nations are made in secret.
14. The men in the factory are all paid by the month.
15. They are afraid to take a trip through Europe at this time.

Exercise 3

Use a phrase instead of the adjective or adverb in the following sentences:

• The men in the trenches are fighting bravely.
• An uneducated man is easily exploited.
• Our educational system is inadequate.
• The skilled workers must be organized.
• Careless men endanger the lives of others.
• The plans have been carefully laid.
• Ambitious men often trample on the rights of others.
• Shall our education be controlled by wealthy men?
• We want to live courageously.
• We want to face the future fearlessly.
• We want to possess peacefully the fruits of our labor.
• By constant practice we can learn to speak effectively.
• This book will be a valuable addition to your library.
• The number of unemployed men constantly increases.
• The men mastered each step thoroughly as they proceeded.
• In order to express one's self eloquently it is necessary to think clearly.
• We must consecrate ourselves completely to the cause of humanity.
• A kind act is its own reward.
• Experienced workers can more easily secure positions.
• He spoke thoughtlessly but the people listened eagerly.
• The soldier was rewarded for his heroic deed.
• He is an honorable man and I am not surprised at this brave act.
• A prudent man should be chosen to fill that important office.