In English grammar, adverbs can modify all of the following parts of speech except which one?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding how adverbs function in English grammar is crucial for building correct and varied sentences. Adverbs typically modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs, and they can also comment on entire clauses. However, they do not usually modify nouns directly; that is the job of adjectives. This question asks you to identify which part of speech is not normally modified by an adverb, reinforcing the distinction between adjectives and adverbs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the grammatical role of adverbs.
• Options list nouns, verbs, adjectives, other adverbs and whole clauses or sentences.
• We assume standard English grammar as taught in school textbooks.
• Adjectives describe nouns, and adverbs describe actions or qualities of actions.
• The question uses the word “except,” so four options are possible and one is impossible or very unusual.

Concept / Approach:
Adverbs answer questions such as “how?”, “when?”, “where?” and “to what extent?”. They typically modify verbs (He runs quickly), adjectives (very tall) and other adverbs (quite slowly). They can also modify entire sentences (Honestly, I do not know). Nouns, on the other hand, are usually modified by adjectives (a tall building, an old book). Although some words end in -ly and look like adverbs, when they modify nouns they actually function as adjectives. Therefore, the one part of speech that adverbs do not normally modify is nouns.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that adverbs most commonly modify verbs, describing how, when or where an action happens.Step 2: Recognise that adverbs can also intensify adjectives, as in “extremely difficult,” where extremely modifies the adjective difficult.Step 3: Remember that adverbs can modify other adverbs, as in “very quickly,” where very modifies quickly.Step 4: Understand that some adverbs comment on entire clauses, for example “Unfortunately, the train was late.”Step 5: Note that adjectives, not adverbs, directly modify nouns, as in “a beautiful house,” “a red car.”Step 6: Therefore, among the options given, nouns are the part of speech that adverbs do not normally modify.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify this, you can try pairing each type of word with a common adverb and see whether the result is grammatical. Phrases like “runs quickly” (verb + adverb), “very tall” (adverb + adjective) and “quite slowly” (adverb + adverb) are correct and natural. Sentences such as “Frankly, he refused” show an adverb modifying the entire statement. However, “quickly house” or “very book” are ungrammatical; to modify a noun, we must use an adjective (quick house, old book), not an adverb. This simple test demonstrates that adverbs do not directly modify nouns, which supports the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Verbs are commonly modified by adverbs, as in “drive carefully” or “speak softly.”
• Adjectives can be modified by adverbs, for example “very happy” or “quite serious.”
• Other adverbs can be modified by adverbs, such as “almost always” or “too slowly.”
• Whole clauses or sentences can be modified by adverbs like fortunately, honestly or hopefully, which comment on the statement.

Common Pitfalls:
One common confusion arises because some words that look like adverbs (ending in -ly) actually function as adjectives when they modify nouns, such as “friendly people” or “a lovely day.” Another pitfall is forgetting that adverbs can modify more than just verbs and thinking they only attach to actions. To avoid errors, remember this simple rule: adjectives describe nouns, while adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, other adverbs or entire statements. Keeping this rule in mind will help you answer many grammar questions correctly.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Nouns, because adverbs do not normally modify nouns in English grammar.