An adjective modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, "modifies" means "tells more about." Adjectives are words that describe things.
I planted orange flowers in the round pot.
The long-eared rabbit nibbled the little carrots.
Adjectives can answer the question "What kind?" (orange flowers; little carrots)
Indefinite Adjectives
An indefinite adjective gives indefinite, or general, information. Often, it answers the question "How much?" Some common indefinite adjectives are all, any, each, every, few, many, and some.
Many children like dinosaurs.
Did you want some bananas?
An indefinite adjective may look like an indefinite pronoun, but it is used differently in the sentence: it is an adjective, used to modify a noun or pronoun.
Demonstrative Adjectives
The demonstrative adjectives that, these, this, those, and what answer the question "Which?"
I'm going to open that present.
Those socks look warm.
A demonstrative adjective may look like a demonstrative pronoun, but it is used differently in the sentence: it is an adjective, used to modify a noun or pronoun.
Proper Adjectives
Proper adjectives are adjectives derived from proper nouns. In English, proper adjectives must begin with a capital letter. The proper adjectives in the following sentences are underlined.
e.g. The French town has an interesting history.
Many of my friends are American.
This house is a fine example of Victorian architecture.
The derivation of proper adjectives from proper nouns is somewhat irregular. For instance, the spelling of the following proper nouns and proper adjectives can be compared.
|
Proper Noun |
Proper Adjective |
|
America |
American |
|
Canada |
Canadian |
|
Germany |
German |
|
Mexico |
Mexican |
|
George |
Georgian |
|
Victoria |
Victorian |
Many proper adjectives end with an or ian. However, other endings are also used, as indicated below.
|
Proper Noun |
Proper Adjective |
|
England |
English |
|
France |
French |
|
China |
Chinese |
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