Adverb Equal Comparisons

Hi, and welcome to this video on adverb comparisons!

We will go over a very important (and common) correlative conjunction: the use of “as _____ as” to create equal comparisons. Though there may be some intimidating technical terminology involved, the concept itself is relatively simple.

What are Conjunctions?

First, let’s remember what conjunctions are. Conjunctions are words used as connectors between words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.

We can use the acronym FANBOYS to remember all of the coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so:

• F – For
• A – And
• N – Nor
• B – But
• O – Or
• Y – Yet
• S – So

Here’s an example of a sentence that uses a conjunction:

 
In this case, the conjunction because is used to connect two independent clauses.

Correlative Conjunctions

There are three types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative.

As I mentioned before, the “as _____ as” construction is a type of correlative conjunction.

Correlative conjunctions differ from other conjunctions because they require two separate words or sets of words in the same sentence. There are several common examples of correlative conjunctions beyond “as ______ as”, such as “either/or,” “both/and,” “as many as.”

Take for example: “I will either go to sleep or watch a movie.” “Either” and “or” in this sentence combine to create a correlative conjunction.

Reviewing Adjective and Adverbs

Now for a quick refresher on adjectives and adverbs.

In short:

Adjectives modify nouns.
Adverbs modify verbs.

We won’t do a deep dive on the various kinds of adjectives and adverbs here. Instead, just remember they modify—or, in simpler terms, they describe the noun or verb in terms of its quality.

An adverb: I walked slowly.

Slowly modifies the verb walked—it describes how I walked.

An adjective: The light was bright.

Bright modifies the noun light—it describes the quality of the light.

Equal Comparisons

Now that we know what makes up a correlative conjunction and how adjectives and adverbs are used, let’s look at the use of adjectives and adverbs in equal comparisons.

Example #1

 
The adjective handsome and the correlative conjunction “as ______ as” creates an equal comparison between the man and a movie star.

Example #2

 
Here, the adjective quiet, along with “as ______ as”, creates an equal comparison between the room and the library.

Example #3

 
The adverb fast modifies the verb runs. It is an equal comparison because he and the dog are running at an equal speed.

Example #4

 
The adverb quietly modifies the verb sat. It is an equal comparison because the boy and the monk are sitting in an equally quiet fashion.

Review

Okay, now that we’ve covered everything, let’s look at a quick review question.

The use of “as ______ as” to create equal comparisons between adverbs and adjectives is an example of which?

1. A coordinating conjunction
2. A correlative conjunction
3. A corresponding conjunction
4. A subordinating conjunction

 
Thanks for watching, and happy studying!

• “Definition of Conjunction | Dictionary.com.” n.d.
• “Correlative Conjunctions.” YourDictionary. January 12, 2010