In the second sentence Tom asks a question and uses "shall."

In the last sentence he uses the word "will" "will make"; that is, he "wills," is determined to make a fire.

With I or we use shall to tell what is likely to occur, and will to express will or determination. With I or we in questions always use shall.

Fill in the right word, "shall" or "will," in place of the blanks in the following sentences:

3. Can I read that letter?

4. You can read that letter.

The first sentence means, have I permission to read that letter?

The second sentence means, you have permission to read that letter.

The third sentence means, have I the ability to read that letter?

The fourth sentence means, you have the ability to read that letter.

Permission is expressed by may, ability by can.

One day a small boy said, "Mother, can I eat another piece of cake?"

"I have no doubt you can, my son," was the answer. Well, may I eat another piece, Mother?"

"No, my son, you may not," replied the mother. “There are many things that you can do, but that you may not do."

Tell just what can and may mean whenever used in the above conversation between the mother and her son.

Explain the meaning of can and may in the following sentences:

(a) I hope I can play ball next Saturday, but my arm is still stiff.

(b) I hope I may play ball next Saturday, but I fear the coach will not consent.

(c) Can I lift that heavy box?

(d) You may try.

(e) May I take your ball?

(f) Yes, you may take it if you can find it.

(g) Where may I look for it?

(h) You may look anywhere.

XIII. ADVERBS: THEIR USE AS MODIFIERS

OF VERBS

Bring in the prisoner," commanded the officer. Immediately two soldiers entered the tent, leading a young man.

"Stand there," commanded the officer, pointing to a place before the table. "Prisoner, you will answer my questions briefly. Are you a rebel?"

"I am what you are pleased to call a rebel,” answered the youth proudly.

In the second sentence the word “immediately" tells when or how soon the soldiers entered. It modifies that is, it changes and makes more exact the meaning of the verb "entered," by telling when.

In the third sentence the word "there" tells where the prisoner shall stand. It modifies the meaning of the verb "stand" by telling where.

In the fourth sentence the word "briefly" tells how the prisoner is to answer. It modifies the

verb "answer" by telling how.

In the sixth sentence the word "proudly" tells how the youth answered. It modifies the verb "answered" by telling how.

A word that modifies a verb is called an adverb.

Adverbs are one of the eight Parts of Speech.

SELECTING SUITABLE ADVERBS

269

Note that each adverb used above answers one

of these questions :

How? When? Where?

Most, though not all, adverbs answer one of these questions.

The adverbs swiftly, fast, slowly, lightly, heavily, awkwardly, may be used to tell how one runs.

The adverbs softly, slowly, rapidly, smoothly, haltingly, clearly, distinctly, expressively, may be used to tell how one reads.

Make lists of adverbs that will tell:

1. How a person may speak.

2. How a person may sing.

3. How a bird may fly.

4. How the rain may fall.

5. How the water flows.

XIV. SELECTING SUITABLE ADVERBS

Read the following story, inserting in the blank spaces adverbs that fittingly describe the movements and sounds of a giant.

Do not be satisfied with the first words that come to your mind. If you first think of "loudly" to tell how the giant laughed, do not use this word without further thought. Think of all the words you can-such as: harshly, mockingly, jeeringly, joyously, gayly, sadly, hoarsely-that

might be used to tell how a giant laughs; then select the word that expresses most clearly and exactly the picture that you have in your mind of the giant going through the forest.

All sorts of people came to the little house in the wood and all were made welcome.

One morning, in the early springtime, a giant trod through the fragrant woods. He saw the birds building their nests and laughed

ways. Like them he felt glad and sang

Reaching the house, he tapped

at their quaint

on the door,

and without waiting for an invitation, stepped

into the hall. The hall seemed dark after leaving the bright sunshine.

Rewrite the above, having a little child visit the house instead of a giant. Remember that you must now use adverbs suitable to describe the movements and sounds made by a tiny child.

XV. OTHER USES OF ADVERBS

Not only do adverbs modify verbs; they are also used to modify adjectives and other adverbs. None could run so fast as he could,

None could dive so deep as he could,