THE ADJECTIVE IN ENGLISH GRAMMAR
Definition Of Adjective:
Adjectives are words qualifying nouns or describing words. They qualify or describe nouns. They are called noun-helper.
Adjectives are a large class of words (for example, good, bad, new, accurate, careful) which define more precisely the reference of a noun or pronoun. An adjective gives more distinct meaning to a noun or a pronoun by describing or limiting it.
All adjectives answer three specific questions about the nouns or pronouns they are modifying:
Examples:
| What kind? | strong, cheerful, red |
|---|---|
| Which one(s) | this, that, these, those |
| How many? | few, some, three, several |
Adjectives That Follow Verbs
Pay special attention to adjectives that follow verbs. Sometimes, the adjective follows a verb, but it describes a noun or pronoun that comes before the verb.
Examples:
| These strawberries taste sour. |
| The pickles are salty |
Adjectives are used either attributively or predicatively.
| The boy is clever | The problem is easy |
Adjectives have many different endings. Many adjectives are created simply by adding certain suffixes to words that were previously nouns or verbs.
Some adjectives end in -ful. These adjectives describe noun or pronouns that are full of something or have a lot of something.
| a joyful smile | a beautiful face | a careful student |
| a cheerful baby | a powerful machine | a wonderful time |
| colorful clothes | a useful book | a skillful player |
Some adjectives end in -ous.
| a mountainous area | a famous writer | a dangerous job |
| a poisonous snake | a humorous film | a generous gift |
Some adjectives end in -y.
| a sunny day | a noisy car | dirty hands |
| an easy test | a cloudy sky | stormy weather |
Some adjectives end in -less. These adjectives describe a person or thing that does not have something.
| a meaningless word | a sleeveless dress | a fearless fighter |
| a careless driver | a cloudless sky | seedless grapes |
Some adjectives end in -al.
| actual | final | general |
| mental | physical | special |
Here are some adjectives that end in -ic, -ish, -ible, -able, -ive and -ly.
| enthusiastic shouting | comfortable clothes | expensive jewellery |
| a selfish act | a likeable child | friendly teachers |
| a fantastic singer | visible footprints | an imaginative story |
Many adjectives end in -ing.
| a smiling face | an outstanding swimmer | chattering monkeys |
| loving parents | a disappointing result | a caring nurse |
Many adjectives end in -ed.
| boiled eggs | satisfied customers | wasted time |
| excited students | reduced prices | invited guests |
Many adjectives end in -ar.
| familiar | particular | popular |
| regular | similar |