Observe the distinction between the words further and farther. Farther always refers to distance, or extent. For example:

Further means more. For example:

Never use good as an adverb. Good is always an adjective. Well is the adverb form. Good and well are compared in the same way, good, better, best, and well, better, best. So better and best can be used either as adjectives or adverbs; but good is always an adjective. Do not say, He talks good. Say, He talks well. Note that ill is both an adjective and an adverb and that illy is always incorrect.

Exercise 3

Correct the adverbs in the following sentences. All but two of these sentences are wrong.

  1. Come quick, I need you.
  2. The boy feels badly.
  3. Give me that there pencil.
  4. I am some hungry.
  5. The people learn slow.
  6. He never stopped for nothing.
  7. What did you say that for?
  8. This here machine won't run.
  9. I make a mistake most every time.
  10. Watch careful every word.
  11. The man works good.
  12. The tone sounds harsh.
  13. I don't want no dinner.
  14. I hope it comes real soon.
  15. I want to learn worse than ever.
  16. She looked lovely.
  17. She smiled sweet.
  18. He sees good for one so old.
  19. She answered correct.
  20. He won't say nothing about it.
  21. I will be real glad to see you.
  22. That tastes sweetly.
  23. The man acted too hasty.
  24. We had most reached home.
  25. They ride too rapid.

DO NOT USE TOO MANY ADVERBS

298. Like adjectives it is better to use adverbs sparingly. This is especially true of the adverbs used to intensify our meaning. Do not use the adverbs, very, awfully, etc., with every other word. It makes our speech sound like that of a gushing school girl, to whom everything is very, awfully sweet. More than that, it does not leave us any words to use when we really want to be intense in speech. Save these words until the right occasion comes to use them.