Adjectives Mr. Gould’s Pretty Good Grammar Notes

Basic Definition n Adjective n a word used to describe a noun or pronoun -ancient dinosaurs -an extinct species

Basic Definitions, cont. n Articles n the articles a, an and the are adjectives -A brontosaurus was an animal over 70 feet long. -The huge dinosaur ate plants.

Basic Definitions, cont. n Proper Adjective n is formed from a proper noun and is always capitalized -A Wyoming museum has the fossil skeleton of a huge apatosaurus.

Basic Definitions, cont. n Common Adjective n any adjective which is not proper, and is not capitalized -Mice are sometimes tiny thieves.

Basic Definitions, cont. n Demonstrative Adjectives n Points out a particular noun n this, these, that, those -This kitten is mean, but that cat is meaner.

Basic Definitions, cont. n Demonstrative Adjectives, cont. n Note: when a noun does not follow this, these, those or that they are pronouns, not adjectives!!!

Basic Definitions, cont. n Indefinite Adjectives n gives an approximate number w/o telling exactly how many. -Some cats like having many mice around to chase.

Basic Definitions, cont. n 3 Basic forms of an Adjective n Positve Form -describes w/o comparing to anyone or anything else -Michael Jordan is incredible!

Basic Definitions, cont. n 3 Basic forms of an Adjective, cont. n Comparitive Form -compares two persons, places, things or ideas -Michael Jordan is tougher than Karl Malone. He shoots better.

Basic Definitions, cont. n 3 Basic forms of an Adjective, cont. n Superlative Form -compares three or more persons, places, things or ideas -Jordan is the most amazing player of all time. He’s the best!

that’s all, folks! Now… n Place notes in Grammar section n Homework: Next to your list of 20 precise nouns for a favorite sport, write 20 powerful adjectives for the same sport! n Due tomorrow!