English Help (not homework)?

Question

I know an adjetive describes a noun (person, place, or thing) and an adverb describes a verb, adjetive or another adverb. but When it comes to recognise them in a sentance i get really confused.

Yes I know a way to recognize an adverb is if it has ly on the end it is an adverb but i still have trouble. Any tips because there is a test on it tomorrow

Answer 1

Would it help to say that an adjective describes a thing, and an adverb describes how an action is performed?  

Adjectives:

unusual dog

blonde girl

big truck

good food

Adverbs:

the dog ran fast

the girl smiled sweetly

a truck drove quickly

the food kept poorly

Answer 2

they are usually really close to word that it describes.

Like an adjective can be: that girl is smart, or she is a smart girl.

I would take the word and see if it can describe a verb, and if it sounds awkward, then it's an adjective. Also, the word "is" after a noun indicates that an adjective might follow (if it's a descriptive sentence)

Like you said, adverbs are usually -ly, and should come close to the verb it describes:  he quickly jumped, or he jumped quickly.