adverb & adjective

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1
  1. He took the rejection very(adv) hard(adv).
    Are my remarks in bracket correct?
    Can an adverb modify another adverb?
  2. He played very(adv) well(adj).
  3. He is a dirty(adj) old(adj man(n).
  4. His mother is very(adv) old(adj).
    Are my remarks in brackets correct?
    Thanks.
2

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

I believe that most books say that adverbs usually modify VERBS, ADJECTIVES, and ADVERBS.

In #3, the adjective “dirty” does not modify the adjective “old.”

It modifies the noun phrase “old man.”

He is a dirty old man.

Compare: He is a nice old man.

James