Really Real and for Real, Really: Adjective-Adverb Confusion, Part 5

In addition to considering parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this series on adjective-adverb confusion, we should look at certain words that can be both action verb and being verbs. They include appear, become, continue, fall, feel, get, grow, lie, look, prove, remain, seem, smell, sound, stand, stay, taste, and turn. Using the action-being verb test explained in part 1, we should be able to settle these tricky words.

The Action-Being Verb Test
A sure way to decide whether a verb is an action verb or a being verb is to substitute the verb with the verb to be (e.g., am, are, is, was, were, shall be, or will be). If you can substitute the verb to be, then you have a being verb; if you can’t, then you have an action verb. 

Example	Test	Answer	Result
You appear strong.	You are strongly.	Yes	being
You appear weekly.	You are weekly.	No	action
She grew tired.	She was tired.	Yes	being
She grew tomatoes.	She   was tomatoes.	No	action

Now you can easily choose adverb forms (for action verbs) or adjective forms (for being verbs):

• You were strong in holding your grip.
• You strongly held your grip.
• She seems tired.
• He works tiredly.

Questions? You can always write me at Phil@PhilVassallo.com.