adjective
An adjective is a part of speech that modifies or describes a noun or pronoun by providing more information about its qualities, size, age, or origin. It typically appears before the noun it modifies or follows a linking verb to provide additional detail about the subject.
Examples
3 of 5I found a shiny coin on the sidewalk.
I found a shiny coin on the sidewalk.
The proposed legislation will provide a comprehensive framework for environmental protection.
The proposed legislation will provide a comprehensive framework for environmental protection.
That pizza was totally awesome!
That pizza was totally awesome!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word as an 'ADD-jective' because you are ADDING detail or description to a noun.
Quick Quiz
Identify the word type: In the sentence 'The heavy rain caused flooding', the word 'heavy' is an ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: adjective
Examples
I found a shiny coin on the sidewalk.
everydayI found a shiny coin on the sidewalk.
The proposed legislation will provide a comprehensive framework for environmental protection.
formalThe proposed legislation will provide a comprehensive framework for environmental protection.
That pizza was totally awesome!
informalThat pizza was totally awesome!
The researcher utilized quantitative methods to analyze the demographic data.
academicThe researcher utilized quantitative methods to analyze the demographic data.
Our quarterly results show a significant increase in international sales.
businessOur quarterly results show a significant increase in international sales.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
string of adjectives
string of adjectives
adjective order
adjective order
proper adjective
proper adjective
Often Confused With
Adjectives describe nouns or pronouns, while adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Usage Notes
In English, multiple adjectives must follow a specific sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, and purpose. For example, we say 'a beautiful large old round brown French wooden dining table' rather than mixing the order.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is trying to pluralize an adjective to match a plural noun; adjectives in English remain singular regardless of the noun's number (e.g., 'the big houses', not 'the bigs houses').
Memory Tip
Think of the word as an 'ADD-jective' because you are ADDING detail or description to a noun.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'adiectivum', which literally means 'that which is added' or 'added to'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
Identify the word type: In the sentence 'The heavy rain caused flooding', the word 'heavy' is an ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: adjective
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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