An adjective modifies a noun.
We moved to a new house.
An adverb modifies a verb.
We walked slowly up the stairs.
An adverb can also modify an adjective.
That is a very shiny car.
Sometimes we make the mistake of using an adjective to modify another adjective. Remember to always use an adverb to modify an adjective.
Wrong: That’s an awful big car.
Correct: That’s an awfully big car.
Wrong: That’s a real big car.
Correct: That’s a really big car.
Awful and real are adjectives. Awful and real can modify nouns as these examples show:
That is awful food.
I want a real tree for Christmas.
When you want to modify an adjective, be sure to use an adverb. Awfully and really are adverbs.
How bad was the food? It was awfully bad or really bad.
How tired are you? You are awfully tired or really tired.
Remember to use an adverb with an -ly ending when you want to modify or intensify an adjective.