THE ADJECTIVE IN ENGLISH GRAMMAR

Definition:

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:

e.g.

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.

e.g.

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 jewelery
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

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