Definition of Adjective and its Types | Grammar
Use of adjective
There are two uses of adjectives:
Attributive Use: When an adjective is used before the noun, it is known as attributive use. Example: The red apple fell from the tree.
Predicative Use: When an adjective is used after the noun, in the predicate part of a sentence, it is known as predicative use. Example: She was industrious. The apple was red.
Kinds of Adjectives
There are several kinds of adjectives, each serving a different purpose in describing nouns or pronouns. Here are some common types:
Descriptive Adjectives:
These adjectives describe the qualities or characteristics of a noun. For example:
- The beautiful sunset painted the sky in shades of pink and orange.
- He lives in a big house on the hill.
Quantitative Adjectives:
These adjectives indicate the quantity or amount of a noun. For example:
- I ate three slices of pizza.
- There are many books on the shelf.
Demonstrative Adjectives:
These adjectives point out specific nouns. They include words like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” For example:
- This book is mine.
- I want that shirt, not this one.
Possessive Adjectives:
These adjectives show possession or ownership. They include words like “my,” “your,” “his,” “her,” “its,” “our,” and “their.” For example:
- Her cat is very playful.
- Our house is located near the park.
Interrogative Adjectives:
These adjectives are used to ask questions about nouns. They include words like “which,” “what,” and “whose.” For example:
- Which book do you want to read?
- Whose bag is this?
Indefinite Adjectives:
These adjectives do not specify a particular noun but refer to non-specific things or people. They include words like “some,” “any,” “several,” “few,” “many,” “all,” “most,” “each,” “every,” “another,” and “both.” For example:
- I have some books to read.
- Several people attended the meeting.
Comparative and Superlative Adjectives:
These adjectives are used to compare two or more nouns. Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things, while superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more things. For example:
- She is taller than her sister. (comparative)
- Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. (superlative)
Nouns and Adjective
Nouns of Adjectives
| Nouns | Adjectives |
|---|---|
| Mountain | Mountainous |
| Ocean | Oceanic |
| Tree | Treelike |
| Cloud | Cloudy |
| River | Riverine |
| Flower | Floral |
| Wind | Windy |
| Sun | Sunny |
| Moon | Lunar |
| Star | Starry |
| Desert | Desertic |
| Island | Insular |
| Forest | Forested |
| Lake | Lakefront |
| Hill | Hilly |
| Valley | Valleys |
| Glacier | Glacial |
| Pond | Pondlike |
| Field | Fieldy |
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Adjectives and Nouns
Q: What is an adjective?
A: An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun by indicating its quality, state, size, quantity, or action.
Q: What is the difference between attributive and predicative use of adjectives?
A: Attributive use is when an adjective is used before the noun (e.g., “the red apple”), while predicative use is when an adjective is used after the noun, in the predicate part of a sentence (e.g., “the apple was red”).
Q: Can you provide examples of different types of adjectives?
A: Certainly! Descriptive adjectives describe qualities (e.g., “beautiful”), quantitative adjectives indicate quantity (e.g., “three”), demonstrative adjectives point out specific nouns (e.g., “this”), possessive adjectives show ownership (e.g., “my”), and so on.
Q: How are comparative and superlative adjectives used?
A: Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things (e.g., “taller”), while superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more things (e.g., “tallest”).
Q: Can an adjective be used to describe more than one noun?
A: Yes, an adjective can be used to describe more than one noun in a sentence. For example, “The tall, dark trees and the old, stone house.”
Q: Are there any rules for the order of adjectives in a sentence?
A: Yes, there is a general order for multiple adjectives before a noun: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, purpose, noun. For example, “a beautiful large old round red Chinese silk dress.”
Q: How can I improve my use of adjectives in writing?
A: To improve your use of adjectives, try to be specific and choose adjectives that create a vivid image or convey the exact meaning you intend. Also, vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition.
