Adjective
An adjective is one of the most important parts of English grammar. Adjectives make language clear, colorful, and meaningful by describing nouns and pronouns. Without adjectives, sentences would be dull and incomplete, giving very little information.
This article explains adjectives in depth, including definitions, types, rules, examples, common mistakes, and practice exercises, in simple and easy English.
What is an Adjective?
An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun.
Types of Adjective
| Type | Usage | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective of Quality | Describes the nature or quality of a noun | She is a kind woman. |
| Adjective of Quantity | Shows how much of a thing | I have little time. |
| Adjective of Number | Shows number or order | I have two pens. |
| Demonstrative Adjective | Points out specific nouns | This book is useful. |
| Interrogative Adjective | Used with nouns to ask questions | Which color do you like? |
| Possessive Adjective | Shows ownership | My brother is a teacher. |
Adjective of Quality :
An adjective of quality describes the nature or quality of a noun. It tells us what kind, how, or what type of person, place, or thing it is. Examples include “good”, “beautiful”, “brave”, and “tall”.
Sentence:
1. I met a beautiful girl.
2. The baby is cute.
3. This is a tall building.
4. He lives in a small house.
5. This food is delicious.
6. The story is very interesting.
7. It was a sweet mango.
8. The brave soldier won the award.
9. He is an honest boy.
10. The movie was boring.
Adjectives of Quantity :
Adjectives of quantity tell us “How much?” or “How many?” of a noun there is. They indicate the amount or number, but not the exact figure. Examples include “some”, “much”, “few”, “several”, and “enough”.
Sentence:
1. I have some money.
2. She ate little food.
3. There is enough water.
4. He spent whole day working.
5. We have several options.
6. He has much patience.
7. I drank less coffee today.
8. He spent all his savings.
9. There is little water in the bottle.
10. She has enough time to finish the work.
Adjectives of Number :
Adjectives of number tell us “How many?” or the exact number of a noun. They indicate the specific count or order of things. Examples include “one”, “two”, “first”, “second”, and “ten”.
Sentence:
1. I have two cars.
2. I have read ten books this month.
3. He finished in second place in the race.
4. I saw many people.
5. She bought three apples.
6. He came first in the race.
7. We waited for ten minutes.
8. The third question is easy.
9. He scored one goal.
10. This is the last chapter.
Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives are used to point out specific nouns. They tell us which one or which ones are being referred to. Examples include “this”, “that”, “these”, and “those”.
Sentence:
1. This book is interesting.
2. That car is mine.
3. These flowers are beautiful.
4. Those shoes look new.
5. This pen is mine.
6. That boy is my cousin.
7. These apples are sweet.
8. Those students are waiting outside.
9. This question is easy.
10. That place is beautiful.
Interrogative Adjectives
Interrogative adjectives are used to ask questions about nouns. They are placed before a noun to inquire which, what, or whose. Examples include “Which book?”, “What color?”, and “Whose pen?”.
Sentence:
1. Which book do you want?
2. What time is it?
3. Whose pen is this?
4. Which dress should I wear?
5. Which book is yours?
6. Whose bag is this?
7. Which subject do you prefer?
8. What kind of movie do you like?
9. Whose house is near the school?
10. What color is your bike?
Possessive Adjecṭives:
Possessive adjectives are used to show ownership or possession of a noun. They tell us whose person, thing, or animal something is. Examples include “my”, “your”, “his”, “her”, “its”, “our”, and “their”.
Sentence:
1. My bag is on the table.
2. Your phone is ringing.
3. Her dress is red.
4. This is my idea.
5. His handwriting is good.
6. The dog wagged its tail.
7. They sold their house.
8. We love our country.
9. She lost her purse.
10. He cleaned his room.
Proper Adjectives:
Proper adjectives are adjectives formed from proper nouns and usually begin with a capital letter. They describe something specific related to a place, person, or brand. Examples include “Indian” (from India), “Shakespearean” (from Shakespeare), and “American” (from America).
Sentence:
1. She loves Indian food.
2. I enjoy Italian pizza.
3. They admire French art.
4. He is an American citizen.
5. He bought a Japanese car.
6.Tamil culture is very ancient.
7. We watched a Hollywood movie.
8. She speaks Japanese fluently.
9. He reads English novels.
10. They enjoy Italian music.
Common Mistakes
1. Adjective vs Adverb
❌ She sings beautiful
✅ She sings beautifully
Adjectives describe nouns; adverbs describe verbs.
2. Wrong Adjective Order
❌ A red big ball
✅ A big red ball
Order: Opinion → Size → Age → Shape → Color → Origin → Material → Purpose → Noun
Example: A beautiful small old round white Italian marble table
3. Comparative vs Superlative
❌ She is the better student in the class
✅ She is the best student in the class
- Two things → comparative
- More than two → superlative
4. Double Comparison
❌ More better / Most fastest
✅ Better / Fastest
Never use more / most with -er / -est.
5. -ed vs -ing Adjectives
❌ I am boring
✅ I am bored
- -ing → causes feeling
- -ed → receives feeling
6. Adjective Used as Noun
❌ The poor needs help
✅ The poor need help
Some adjectives act as plural nouns.
7. Plural Adjectives
❌ She has blacks eyes
✅ She has black eyes
Adjectives never change form.
8. Very vs Too
❌ This box is too heavy (no problem)
✅ This box is very heavy
- Very → normal emphasis
- Too → negative meaning
9. Confusing Similar Adjectives
❌ sensible → sensitive
✅ sensitive
sensible ❌ sensitive | economic ❌ economical | historic ❌ historical
10. Unnecessary Repetition
❌ Return back / Free gift
✅ Return / Gift
Meaning already included.
Adjective Quiz — Pick the Adjective
10 questions. Choose the correct Adjective.