USING ADJECTIVES IN ENGLISH

USING ADJECTIVES IN ENGLISH

Adjectives in English are invariable. They do not change their form depending on the gender or number of the noun.

EXAMPLES

This is a hot potato.
Those are some hot potatoes.
To emphasise or strengthen the meaning of an adjective, use the adverbs very or really in front of the adjective you want to strengthen.

EXAMPLES

This is a very hot potato
Those are some really hot potatoes.
Adjectives in English usually appear in front of the noun that they modify.

EXAMPLES

The beautiful girl ignored me.
The fast red car drove away.
Adjectives can also appear after being and sensing verbs like to be, to seem , to look & to taste.

EXAMPLES

Italy is beautiful.
I don't think she seems nice at all.
You look tired.
This meat tastes funny.
SOME EXCEPTIONS
Adjectives appear after the noun in some fixed expressions.

EXAMPLES

The Princess Royal is visiting Oxford today.
The President elect made a speech last night.
He received a court martial the following week.
The adjectives involved, present & concerned can appear either before or after the noun that they modify, but with a different meaning depending on the placement.

EXAMPLES

Adjective placed after the noun Meaning Adjective placed before the noun Meaning
I want to see the people involved. I want to see the people who have something to do with this matter. It was an involved discussion. The discussion was detailed & complex.
Here is a list of the people present at the meeting. Here is a list of the people who were at the meeting. The present situation is not sustainable. The current situation is not sustainable.
I need to see the man concerned by this accusation. I need to see the man who has been accused.