adjectives, adverbs, modifier confusion
Proper diction requires an understanding of words that are misused.
"I sing to myself and my sister looks at me weird." - Dakota Fanning in BOP
This quote contains an error in modifier form.
Dakota used an adjective to modify a verb, and only adverbs can modify verbs.
"Weird" is an adjective used, in this sentence, to describe how Dakota's sister looks at her. Since "looks" is a verb, an adverb should modify this action. Change "weird" to "weirdly."
"I sing to myself and my sister looks at me weirdly."
Note that the verb "look" can function either as an action verb, as in this sentence, or as a linking verb. A linking verb can connect a subject with an adjective, as in the following sentence:
"When I sing to myself, I look weird to my sister."
2 Comments
Meh. While proper grammer is required for written items, casual speech is not as exact. Give the girl a break.
You're right, Otto. Her statement was made in an informal context. However, this site is geared towards preparing students to take standardized examinations and write according to the rules of standard American English.
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