ADJECTIVES

An adjective is a word that _________ or ________ a noun or pronoun.

Ex: That handsome man laughed. Jake was the guilty one.

Adjectives answer the following questions:

describes modifies

which one?

what kind?

how many?

Ex: That book; wild horse; several students

Colors and numbers are often adjectives.

Ex: The green apple was sour. Ten boys were in the car.

ADJECTIVESAdjectives are sometimes called __________.determine

rsThe articles (_________) are always adjectives.a, an, the

Proper adjectives are made from proper nouns and are always capitalized.

Ex: Chinese food French chef American flag

Demonstrative adjectives point out the nouns you are modifying.

Ex: This book that star those papers these cookies

Adjectives which follow being verbs are called predicate adjectives.

Ex: Mary is pretty. Mr. Stephens appeared tired.

ADJECTIVESDegrees of comparison

Positive (1 thing)

Comparative (2 thing) use –er or less/more

Superlative (more than 2 things) use –est or least/most

Tall Taller tallest

(words of one syllable use –er and –est.

Ugly Uglier Ugliest

Honest More honest Most honest

(Check the dictionary for the correct form of two syllable words.)

Beautiful More beautiful Most beautiful

(Words of three syllables use less/more and least/most.)Do not confuse comparative and superlative degrees.Do not use double comparatives or superlatives. (more better)Do not use awkward-sounding comparatives or superlatives. (vivider)Use than, not then, when making comparisons. Then tells when.

ADJECTIVES

Adjectives in a series must be separated by _______. Do not separate the last adjective from the noun which they modify.

commas

Ex: Kyle shot the huge, ferocious, clever gorilla.