Adjectives 3 - Order, Comparatives and superlatives

Order of adjectives

This is an area where there are some rules, but the rules are so difficult to apply that it is best for students to meet lots of different examples and try to develop a 'feel' for what sounds right.
Comparatives and superlatives
Some two-syllable adjectives worry students. They have learned the rule that with longer adjectives we use more or most ~ more difficult, most interesting. They then meet commoner and more common and they sometimes come across more or most used with monosyllabic adjectives where a native speaker is using them to give emphasis. For example:

Which is better - this example or that one?
> I'm not sure. This one is much more pure.

'purer' would also have been correct, but for some reason of emphasis the native
speaker chose more pure!
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What is An Adjectives ? Part 2

Several units in this section focus on adjectival expressions:

adjectives with a preposition: proud of
adjectives with an infinitive: good to eat

It helps students if they can make lists of different adjectives which take the same preposition. For example:

WITH bored with, satisfied with, pleased with, content with
OF proud of, afraid of, tired of, jealous of, ashamed of

This is an area where students must simply learn the expressions. There are no short cuts or rules.


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Adjective Phrase

Adjective Phrase

Definition & Usage
This function as an adjective in that it describe a noun or pronoun. It usually occurs immediately next to the word/words it describes.

Examples
1.My husband and I have just bought a new semi-detached house.

2.They sold their house in the city

It is used
- in the predicative sense

For instances
1.My new room-mate is very vicacious and talkative.

2.Josephine's fiance is very artistic and intellectual.

- in the attributive sense

For instances
1. This company hires only experienced and goal-oriented men and women.

2. The confident and well-groomed man walked past us arrogantly.

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Adjectives I

Descriptive / Qualitative

These adjective tell us about the shape, colour, size, condition, etc. of a noun.

Examples
The square box contains some old photographs.

Quantitative

These tell us the amount or number of things

Examples
There is some ice in the refrigerator.

Do you have a five-dollar note?

Demonstrative

These point the nouns they used with.

Examples
This is my boyfriend.

Those houses were built in 1968

Interrogative

These ask questions.

Example
Which rope is longer?

Whose shoes are those

Distributive

These show that the persons or things denoted vy the nouns are taken singly or in a group.

Example
Every student must wear a uniform.

Some people do not like dancing.

Possessive

These show possession.

Example
That is our house.
I am wearing his shirt.

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Forming Adjectives From Other Word Classes

Method of Formation of Adjectives

1.) Adjectives can be formed from nouns

Examples:
Boy - boyish grin
music - musical laugh

2.) Adjectives can be formed from verbs

Examples
imagine - imaginary characters
decorate - decorative wall-hangings.

3.) Some nouns can be treated as adjectives

Examples
She is wearing a metal bracelet.

4.) Compound adjectives are made up of two or more words

Examples
fairweather friend
million-dollar scheme.

5.) Adjectives of quality can be used as nouns, usually with the definite article 'the' to represent a class of people.

Example
Regular exercise and a balanced diet is important for both the young and the old

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