Adjectives: Types, Rules, and Examples

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns and pronouns, giving us more information about their qualities, quantity, or characteristics. They make language more expressive and help convey precise meaning. For example, in the sentence “The tall boy ran fast,” the word tall is an adjective describing the boy. Adjectives can also show comparison, such as taller or tallest, and indicate amounts like few, many, or some. Understanding adjectives and their proper use is essential for writing clearly and effectively.

What is an Adjective?

An adjective is a word that describes, qualifies, or gives more information about a noun or pronoun. It helps to explain what kind, which one, or how many of something we are talking about. For example:

• Example: The honest cashier assisted the customer. (Honest qualifies the cashier).

• Example: She wore a black dress. (Black describes the dress).

Degrees of Adjectives

Adjectives are categorised into three degrees based on the level of comparison:

1. Positive Degree

Used to describe a single noun or pronoun without making a comparison.

• Example: He is a smart student.

2. Comparative Degree

Used to compare two entities. It is generally formed by adding ‘-er’ to short adjectives or using ‘more’ for longer adjectives.

• Rule: Always use "than" with a comparative degree.

• Specific Case: Use "the + comparative + of the two" when selecting one out of two.

• Correct: Sarthak is the taller of the two members.

3. Superlative Degree

Used to compare three or more entities. It is formed by adding ‘-est’ or using ‘most’.

• Rule: The superlative degree must always be preceded by the article "the".

• Example: Sarthak is the tallest student in the class.

Important Grammar Rules for Exams

When preparing for exams, certain grammar rules are especially important because they are frequently tested. Here are the key points to focus on:

Situational Comparison (Parallel Increase/Decrease)

If two related changes occur simultaneously, the comparative degree is used in both parts of the sentence.

• Example: The higher you go, the cooler it becomes.

• Example: The more you practice, the better you perform.

Former vs. Latter | Last vs. Latest

• Former/Latter: Used when referring to the order of two items. Former is first; Latter is second.

• Last/Latest: ‘Last’ refers to the final position in a series, while ‘Latest’ refers to the most recent time or update.

Few vs. Little

• Few (Countable): Used with plural countable nouns (Students, Books).

• Little (Uncountable): Used with uncountable nouns (Knowledge, Water, Time).