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    Learn English adjectives

    What are adjectives in English grammar? In English grammar, adjectives are words that describe qualities, states of being, or quantity of nouns (e.g., “small,” “childish,” “red,” “slow,” “boring”, “thousands”).

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    Adjectives describe and modify nouns, not verbs, adverbs, or other adjectives. Adjectives tell us how much - or how many - of something someone is talking about. For example, My new dress is yellow and long. An adjective often comes before a noun: a short skirt, a peculiar man, an old building. And sometimes an adjective comes after a verb: My juice is sour. His presentation seemed boring. The light turned red. Learn English the most effective way and reach your language goals faster: take private English lessons from the comfort of your own home!

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    These lessons are part of the Preply Grammar Reference, crafted by a team of language experts. This comprehensive guide covers essential English grammar topics, offering clear explanations, illustrative examples, and insights into common mistakes. Benefit from the collective expertise of Preply's dedicated professionals, ensuring a valuable resource for learners at every level. Learn more about Preply.

    English Adjectives: The Ultimate Guide

    Here are how-to guides for every type of word you'll find when you learn English adjectives. Check out the dedicated categories:

    Comparative adjectives compare differences between 2 nouns.

    Compound adjectives are multi-word adjectives that generally appear before a noun.

    Demonstrative adjectives indicate specific things.

    Descriptive adjectives describe the size, color, or shape of a noun.

    Present and past participles can be used as adjectives to describe characteristics and feelings.

    Possessive adjectives show who owns something.

    Superlative adjectives compare differences among 3 or more nouns.

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    Frequently asked questions

    There are several different types of adjectives in English. Descriptive or qualitative adjectives These adjectives provide information about and define attributes of the nouns/pronouns they modify or describe. Most adjectives belong to this category. I have a big dog. (The word “big” is describing an attribute of the dog.) Quantitative adjectives A quantitative adjective provides information about the quantity of the nouns/pronouns. There are only five glasses on the table. Proper adjectives When proper nouns modify or describe other nouns/pronouns, they become proper adjectives. They are usually capitalized, just like proper nouns. German cars are very durable. Demonstrative adjectives A demonstrative adjective directly refers to something or someone. Those mountains are really far away. Possessive adjectives A possessive adjective indicates possession or ownership. Her job is very complex. Interrogative adjectives An interrogative adjective asks a question. To be considered an adjective, the noun must come right after it. Which cake is your favorite? Indefinite adjectives Indefinite adjectives provide indefinite/unspecific information about the noun. I want only a few pieces of bread. Compound adjectives When compound nouns or combined words modify other nouns, they become a compound adjective. He sat next to the middle-aged woman on the bus.
    In many cases, adjectives are changed into adverbs by adding the suffix “-ly” to an adjective. For example: slow -> slowly If the adjective ends in “-y,” replace the “-y” with “i” and add “-ly.” lucky -> luckily If the adjective ends in “-able,” “-ible,” or “-le,” replace the “-e” with “-y.” gentle -> gently If the adjective ends in “-ic,” add “-ally.” Exception: public -> publicly comic -> comically Note that some adverbs have the same form as the adjective: “early,” “fast,” “hard,” “high,” “late,” “near” and “straight.”