Adverb for a noun or adverb for a sentence?

Question

I think it was CalifJim, either borrowing the words of Palmer or not, said (although I am not sure) something like that one can see whether a participle is adjectival or part of a participal verb by its ability to accommodate such adverbs like "already."

It was already finished.

You see, I think the adverb modifies the participle "finished" here. But it could be modifying the whole sentence like this and not modify an adjective like before.:

It was already finished by Joe.

I think the adverb "completely" work in the similar or same fashion.

It was completely finished -- case of the word "completely" modifying the adjectival "finished".
It was completely finished by Joe. -- the word "completely" modifying the whole sentence.

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

How do you see those two examples as modifying the entire sentence?

CalifJim · Answer

I think you may be referring to this post, which does contain the words "already finished": .

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you both of you. If the placement of the word 'already' doesn't make it clear whether it is modifying the word that purposes to modify adjectivally, then how could we make sure whether we are looking at a passive sentence or a sentence with a "be" verb followed by an adjective in cases like this (if I made my question clear).

I wrote this in my original post in this thread I started:

think it was CalifJim, either borrowing javascript:void(0) of Palmer or not, said (although I am not sure) something like that one can see whether a participle is adjectival or part of a participal verb by its ability to accommodate such adverbs like "already."

It was already javascript:void(0).

You see, I think the adverb modifies the participle "finished" here. But it could be modifying the whole sentence like this and not modify an adjective like before.:

It was already finished by Joe.

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymoushow could we make sure whether we are looking at a passive sentence or a sentence with a "be" verb followed by an adjective in cases like this

I think you have already solved your own problem. The other words in the sentence, like by Joe, help you to make the distinction.

They were married at the church. (passive)
They were married for many years. (adjective)

Some sentences are just inherently ambiguous.

The door was closed. (passive or adjective)

Nothing can be done about that.
____

Strike already off your list. The adverbs very, rather, more and less are better tests whether you're dealing with an adjective.

already with the present tense is often a sign of a 'statal passive', however. I would call the following past participles adjectives in a 'statal passive' construction.

The bags are already packed.
The garden is already planted.
The letters are already written.

CJ

Adverb for a noun or adverb for a sentence?

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