ATI TEAS English and Language Usage Related

Review ATI TEAS English and Language Usage related questions and content

The swirling snow drifted down all afternoon. Which of the following parts of speech is 'swirling' as used in the sentence above?

  • A. Interjection
  • B. Article
  • C. Adjective
  • D. Adverb
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the sentence 'The swirling snow drifted down all afternoon,' 'swirling' is functioning as an adjective. Adjectives modify or describe nouns, and in this case, 'swirling' describes the noun 'snow.' The word 'swirling' is giving more information about the nature or quality of the snow, indicating that it is moving in a circular motion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. An interjection is a word or phrase used to express strong emotions or sentiments, which 'swirling' does not do in this context. An article is a determiner that introduces a noun, and 'swirling' is not serving this function. An adverb typically modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, but in this sentence, 'swirling' is not modifying a verb, making it an incorrect choice.