This and that, are changed into these and those, when they belong to plural nouns, but they admit not of degrees of comparison. Adjectives, which denote a definite number of things, admit not of variation, as one, two, three, &c. There are other Adjectives not varied in form which define or limit nouns; as, any, each, every, some, all, such.* The words in italics in the following phrases are Adjectives in the Positive state, those in small capitals are adjectives in the Comparative degree, and those in larger capitals are Adjectives in the Superlative degree. The fields are green although we have had no rain for some time. A NOBLER act I never heard of. The GREATEST difficulty is overcome. This house is LARGER than that, but not So commodious. That pen is as good as mine. Write a BETTER copy. Bring me an apple, and pick me a ripe one.† A MORE INDUSTRIOUS boy I never saw. The BEST proof of his real worth was his uniform modesty. The MOST PERSEVERING person, though comparatively ignorant, will often succeed better than a well informed person with LESS energy. My hat is on your peg. Now write or mention the Adjectives, and the state or degree of comparison of each in the following exercise. How amiable is the conduct of a pious man! This is a most delightful landscape. My situation is not more enviable than yours. An honest man is the noblest work of GOD. The water is much higher to day. I have seen more handsome pieces. The most useful production is the best. It might have been in Such words as this, that, each, every, any, and many others which some grammarians divide into several classes of adjective pronouns, I call adjectives, because as I have said before, none of them stand for nouns independently, but always belong to nouns expressed or understood. They are all Adjectives, because they always define, limit, describe, or qualify nouns. Some grammarians call them Definitives. There can be no utility in multiplying terms, and subdividing classes of words which have a general application, when no misapplication can arise in consequence of ranking them under one head. + In this and similar instances, one may be called a pronoun, but it is generally an adjective. Well, may here form part of the adjective; for we may say well, better, or the best informed, as we may say more or the most informed; but these words separately considered, are adverbs. abler hands. Afflictions often produce the deepest satisfaction, and the happiest state of mind. It is a most surprising affair. You are taller than John, but not so old. An excellent reader, but not a very good writer. This is the most grateful boy. CHAPTER XLIII. THE VARIATION OF ADVERBS. Although Adverbs are a very numerous class of words, yet very few of them admit of variation. Those that vary in form are such as in some situations are Adjectives, and like Adjectives admit of degrees of comparison, such as, better, best, little, less, least, much, more, most, worse, worst, and others. That an Adverb may be distinguished from an Adjective, when it partakes of the same form, the following examples are given. This is a better copy than yours. I write better than you. Yours is the best pen. What a little dog. Mine is a less hat than yours. This is a worse coat than that. He has given to me much money, and to you more, but to him the most. Mine is best written. He has grown less than you. Although some Adverbs are inflected, or varied in their forms for different applications, yet they are much derived from other parts of speech; as a large class of adverbs ending with ly are derived from Adjectives and the participial form of Verbs; as, wisely, thoughtlessly, politely, abruptly, lovingly, learnedly. Some ending in ly are derived from Nouns; as, daily, weekly, quarterly, friendly, motherly. And although given in this form as adjectives, these same words, and other similar words are likewise used as Adverbs. Some Adverbs resemble adjectives in the manner of using them in comparisons; as, soon, sooner, soonest; early, earlier, earliest, or more early, and most early; and others similar which are inflected, admitting of degrees of comparison. Sometimes, when two or more Adverbs are used together, the first serves to modify that which follows; as, "He writes very clearly." “He reads very well.” "You went quite out of your way." "He acted far more wisely than might have been expected." The real bearing and use of this part of speech may be seen in its varied applications as an add-word or adverb in a few examples; and therefore the following varied phrases will be more useful to give ideas of the nature of Adverbs, than to further enumerate and classify them. 66 James writes. Numerous other examples might be given, but these will suffice; for as Dr. Priestly says, 'Adverbs refer to time, place, quantity, order, motion, number, comparison, affirmation, negation, demonstration, interrogation, and, in short, to every conceivable adjunct of the properties of things, or persons, or the actions of agents." To-morrow, is here equal to then, as he will go then, therefore to-morrow so used is an Adverb showing the time of the verb's action.-See examples of Adverbs on pages 25 and 26. That the Noun, Adjective, Verb, and Participle, may be seen in the same word, the following examples are given. Verb. He is acting with prudence. It is an approved piece. I approved the thing. A beating was not ad- A beating heart. vised. What loud calling. Buy me some edging. He gained a hearing. Participle. Acting the hypocrite, he deceived me. Approved and flattered, he became vain. He was beating the horse He came into the room, too much. The calling watchman John is calling you. waked me. A divided house cannot He divided the apple. stand. beating time to the tune. He calling frequently, we became acquainted.. Divided in sentiment, they did not act long together It was edging lace that I He was edging the knife. Edging off, he escaped wanted. What a jarring there is I wish this jarring door between them! were altered. Heis a knighted favourite The words ending in ing in this column, given as verbs, are Participles, separately considered; but when combined with the verb to be, they may be considered a part of the verb; as, "He is acting," is equivalent to saying "He acts." Noun. A well made coat. The nailing is firmly Bring the nailing ham. and neatly done. mer. He was the obliged individual. That is a good painting. Lend me a painting brush. A quoted piece of composition. They made a great rally- This is the rallying point. Verb. Participle. He is losing much money. Losing his only child, he was much depressed. was better satisfied. came to me. Painting the wood preser- Quoted and criticised upon, the cause of his success. ing, he deceives many. was |