Adjectives
Adjectives are words that describe nouns. The big blue car. This page will contain information on:
Comparative and superlatives
Gradable and Non-gradables
Adjective order
Interrogatives
Quantitatives
Distributive/Indefinites
For possessive adjectives and demonstrative adjectives please see the page on pronouns
Comparisons
Descriptive adjectives (Adjectives that are used for description only) are only the beginning.
We can use adjectives to make Comparative or Superlative staments.
One syllable comparisons:
I am happy Descriptive
I am happier Comparative General
I am the happiest Superlative positive
I am as happy as Vi Comparative same
I am happier than Vi Comparative more
I am less happy than Vi Comparative less
I am the least happy Superlative negative
Two syllable comparisons:
I am awesome - descriptive general
I am more awesome - comparative general
I am the most awesome - superlative positive
I am as awesome as Tom
Comparative same
I am more awesome than Tom
Comparative more
I am less awesome than Tom
Comparative less
I am the least awesome
Superlative negative
Gradable and Non-Gradable
Sometimes we want to define more specifically, or exaggerate what we mean.
This guide explains the difference between adjective types and how to use grading adverbs with them.
Order of adjectives
In English, if you are using more than one adjective to describe a noun it has to go in order of:
Opinion
Size
Shape
Condition
Age
Colour
Pattern
Origin
Material
Purpose
Not all of these are required, but the order must be followed for it to sound fluent and correct.
A wonderful, gigantic, round, engraved, new, red, spotted, Turkish, wooden, walking stick
It was the biggest, bluest, Italian racing car I had ever seen
His eyes were deep, dark, green, glassy orbs
Other types
Interrogatives:
These ask questions about nouns or pronouns.
Which car is yours?
What day is it?
Whose bag is this?
Quantitatives:
These are responses to questions such as 'how many?'
I have one new email
I don't have any chocolate
I would like many pets
I have a few nephews
I bought 30 roses for valentines day
I will give you half of my winnings
I can't believe I ate the whole 6 person platter
Also in response to 'Do you have any____?'
I have none
I have a couple.
I have a lot.
Distributives and Indefinites:
If you remember indefinite pronouns you may recognise some of these. The indefinite adjectives are the 'some, no, every and any' parts we used to describe people and things.
Distributives can include indefinites as they are used to specify amounts of grouped things.
Do you like tomato or Parmesan ice-cream?
- Neither
Each page should be written in comic sans
Every cat I've ever owned has been named after my grandfather.
I really don't like pot holes
- I don't either.
