Lesson
Distinguish adjectives from adverbs
Text
This lesson explains the difference between the adjective quick and the adverb quickly, and when to use each form in business and everyday contexts.
Table
| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| quick (adjective) | Describes a noun (quality, speed of thing/person) | A quick response improved client satisfaction. |
| quickly (adverb) | Modifies a verb (how an action is done) | She replied quickly to the client's email. |
| quick (adjective) — comparative | Compare nouns | A quick decision can be better than a slow one. |
| quickly (adverb) — comparative | Compare actions (use more quickly when needed) | They completed the audit more quickly than expected. |
| fast (adj & adv) | Note: fast can be both adjective and adverb (unlike quick) | Drive fast (adv) / a fast car (adj). |
| placement | Adjective before noun; adverb usually after verb or before verb for emphasis | He made a quick choice. / He chose quickly. |
Tip
Remember the basic function:
To test: replace the word with 'fast'. If both forms still make sense, check whether you need adjective or adverb.
Example
A quick response saved the client relationship.
She completed the presentation quickly and confidently.
A quick decision is sometimes necessary in business.
Please reply quickly so we can meet the deadline.
Tip
Watch out for these frequent errors:
If unsure, ask: Am I describing a noun (use quick) or an action (use quickly)?
Quiz
Choose the correct sentence:
Hint: Think about where adverbs commonly appear in a verb + object sentence.
Correct!
Adverbs modify verbs. 'Quickly' is the adverb and it naturally follows the verb + object: 'answered the client's email quickly.'
Incorrect
The correct answer was: She answered the client's email quickly.
Adverbs modify verbs. 'Quickly' is the adverb and it naturally follows the verb + object: 'answered the client's email quickly.'
Quiz
Complete: The team _____ completed the report.
Hint: Think of an adverb that describes the manner of completing an action.
Correct!
'Quickly' modifies the verb 'completed' — it describes how the action was done.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: quickly
'Quickly' modifies the verb 'completed' — it describes how the action was done.
Quiz
Which sentence correctly uses the adjective 'quick'?
Hint: Remember: adjectives describe nouns and usually go before the noun.
Correct!
Adjectives describe nouns. 'Quick' correctly modifies the noun 'decision' in 'a quick decision.'
Incorrect
The correct answer was: He made a quick decision.
Adjectives describe nouns. 'Quick' correctly modifies the noun 'decision' in 'a quick decision.'
Vocabulary
moving or doing something with speed; happening soon
We need a quick decision from management.
Vocabulary
at a fast speed; rapidly
Please respond quickly to the client's request.
Vocabulary
moving or happening at high speed; can be both adj. and adv.
He drives fast. / It's a fast decision.
GrammarPoint
a word that describes a noun or pronoun
A quick decision is often necessary.
GrammarPoint
a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb
She quickly finished the audit.
Expression
comparative form to describe an action done at a faster speed
The team finished the project more quickly than expected.