English Grammar Questions Long
A positive compound adverb is a combination of two or more adverbs that intensify or strengthen the meaning of the verb or adjective they modify. On the other hand, a negative compound adverb is a combination of two or more adverbs that weaken or negate the meaning of the verb or adjective they modify.
Positive compound adverbs are used to emphasize or intensify the action or quality being described. They are formed by combining adverbs such as very, extremely, highly, quite, or really with other adverbs. For example:
1. She ran very quickly to catch the bus.
2. The concert was extremely loud and energetic.
3. He spoke quite softly during the meeting.
4. The car drove really fast down the highway.
In these examples, the positive compound adverbs "very quickly," "extremely loud," "quite softly," and "really fast" intensify the action being described, emphasizing the speed, volume, or manner of the verb.
On the other hand, negative compound adverbs are used to weaken or negate the action or quality being described. They are formed by combining adverbs such as barely, hardly, scarcely, or rarely with other adverbs. For example:
1. She barely noticed the changes in the room.
2. He hardly ever speaks during class.
3. They scarcely understood the instructions.
4. The team rarely wins any matches.
In these examples, the negative compound adverbs "barely noticed," "hardly ever," "scarcely understood," and "rarely wins" weaken or negate the action being described, indicating a lack of attention, frequency, understanding, or success.
In summary, the difference between a positive and a negative compound adverb lies in their effect on the meaning of the verb or adjective they modify. Positive compound adverbs intensify or strengthen the action or quality, while negative compound adverbs weaken or negate it.