Adjective
An adjective is a word that modifies a noun or pronoun. It describes, identifies, or quantifies nouns or pronouns, making the meaning of a sentence more specific and interesting. Adjectives provide information about qualities, characteristics, and states of being related to the nouns or pronouns they modify.
Function:
The primary function of an adjective is to provide more detail about a noun or pronoun. This can include attributes like size, shape, color, origin, feeling, or number. Adjectives enhance understanding by adding descriptive or limiting information.
Types of Adjectives:
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Descriptive Adjectives: These adjectives describe the qualities or characteristics of a noun. Examples: red car, tall building, happy child.
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Quantitative Adjectives: These adjectives specify the quantity or amount of a noun. Examples: few books, many people, some sugar.
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Demonstrative Adjectives: These adjectives point out specific nouns. They always precede the noun they modify. Examples: this book, that house, these apples, those chairs.
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Possessive Adjectives: These adjectives show ownership or possession. Examples: my car, your house, his dog, her cat, its bone, our school, their parents.
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Interrogative Adjectives: These adjectives are used in questions to ask about a noun. Examples: which way, what time, whose book.
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Proper Adjectives: These adjectives are formed from proper nouns. Examples: American flag, Shakespearean play, Victorian era.
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Compound Adjectives: These adjectives are formed from two or more words, often hyphenated. Examples: well-known author, part-time job, high-speed internet.
Placement:
Adjectives typically precede the noun they modify (attributive position), but they can also follow a linking verb (predicative position).
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Attributive: The beautiful flower is blooming.
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Predicative: The flower is beautiful.
Comparison:
Many adjectives can be compared to show degrees of a quality. This is typically done using comparative and superlative forms.
- Positive: tall
- Comparative: taller
- Superlative: tallest
However, not all adjectives can be compared (e.g., unique, perfect), and some require the use of more and most for comparison.
Order of Adjectives:
When multiple adjectives modify the same noun, there is a general order in which they are typically placed:
- Opinion/Value
- Size
- Age
- Shape
- Color
- Origin
- Material
- Purpose