By: Anaya Gray; Kelvonte Stiff; Evan Gardner Adjectives By: Anaya Gray; Kelvonte Stiff; Evan Gardner

Definition An adjective is a part of speech that describes, qualifies, or places limits on a noun or pronoun. Adjectives show differences in amount or degree by the addition of function words or by changes in form Adjectives answer how many, what color, what kind, and they are used to add detail to a noun or pronoun They also show size, shape, distance, feelings or qualities, temperature, time, nationality, material, age, and purpose.

Examples That girl is ugly. The nice boy gave me a toy. It is freezing outside. The Chinese man handed me a fortune cookie. My family is early for the movie. My mother beat me with a wooden spoon for failing a test. The Steelers is the best team in the NFL.

Rules of Adjectives Adjectives can come before noun Adjectives can come after verbs such as be, become, seem, look, etc. Can be modified by adverbs They can be used as complements to a noun

Superlative and Comparative Adjectives Superlative Adjectives Are used to compare 2 nouns Usually end in –er but for words with 2 or more syllables use the word “more” Examples: taller, more dangerous, better, and happier Are used to compare 3 or more nouns Usually end in –est but for words with 2 or more syllables use the word “most” Examples: tallest, most dangerous, best, and happiest

Premodifiers with Degrees of Adjectives Both adverbs and adjectives in their comparative and superlative forms can be accompanied by premodifiers, single words and phrases, that intensify the degree. Examples: We were a lot more careful this time. He works a lot less carefully than the other jeweler in town. We like his work so much better. You'll get your watch back all the faster.

Collective Adjectives When the definite article, the, is combined with an adjective describing a class or group of people, the resulting phrase can act as a noun. Examples: The rural poor have been ignored by the media. The rich of Connecticut are responsible. The elderly are beginning to demand their rights. The young at heart are always a joy to be around.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/537/02 http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/adjectives.htm