adjective

(noun)

A word that modifies a noun or pronoun.

Related Terms

  • nonrestrictive
  • compound adjective
  • infinitive
  • preposition
  • participle
  • finite verb
  • adjectival phrase
  • adverb

(noun)

A word that modifies a noun or describes a noun's referent.

Related Terms

  • nonrestrictive
  • compound adjective
  • infinitive
  • preposition
  • participle
  • finite verb
  • adjectival phrase
  • adverb

Examples of adjective in the following topics:

  • Adjectives

    • In some situations, two adjectives may be used to describe a noun.
    • But other times, the adjectives combine to become one adjective joined by a hyphen.
    • Heavy-metal is the compound adjective describing the detector.
    • The standard form for using adjectives for comparison is to add -er to the end of an adjective being used to compare two items (brighter, cooler) and -est to the end of an adjective used to compare more than two items (brightest, coolest).
    • Sometimes, pronouns can be used as adjectives.
  • Adverbs

    • Just as adjectives modify nouns and pronouns, adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
    • Many adjectives can be made into adverbs simply by adding -ly to the end.
    • ["Of this diet" describes the adjective "tired."]
    • Hyphens can be used to combine an adverb and adjective to describe a noun.
    • In this situation, the adverb is describing the adjective, and the adjective is describing the noun.
  • Introduction to Adjectives and Adverbs

    • We need adverbs and adjectives in order to be descriptive in our writing.
    • Like adjectives, adverbs can also help add details to your writing.
    • Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
    • Adverbs can also be used to modify adjectives and other adverbs.
    • [The adverb reasonably modifies the adjective early.]
  • Hyphens

    • Hyphens are often used to connect adverbs and adjectives when describing a noun.
    • Hyphens can be used to combine an adverb and adjective to describe a noun.
    • In this situation, the adverb is describing the adjective, and the adjective is describing the noun.
    • If the adverb and adjective come after the noun being described, a hyphen is not needed.
    • Remember that using hyphens to combine adverbs and adjectives in this way creates a new word.
  • Introduction to Inflection

    • You also might need to change some adjectives based on the grammatical context of the rest of your sentence.
    • For example, if you’re trying to compare how sunny today’s weather is to yesterday’s weather, you would change the adjective “sunny” to “sunnier”: “Today is sunnier than yesterday.”
    • Inflecting adverbs is very similar to how you change adjectives.
  • Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

    • Two common types of modifiers are the adverb (a word that describes an adjective, a verb, or another adverb) and the adjective (a word that describes a noun or pronoun).
    • However, though all adjectives and adverbs are modifiers, not all modifiers are adjectives and adverbs.
    • Above all, it should always be clear to the reader which word an adjective, adverb, or modifying phrase is describing.
    • By paying attention to placement and making sure that if you want to modify a verb you use an adverb instead of an adjective, you will make it much easier for your reader to pick up on your intended meaning.
  • Pronouns as Subjects and Objects

    • Possessive adjectives show ownership.
    • Possessive adjectives are my, your, his, her, its, our, and their.
    • For example, when paired with the noun school in a sentence, his becomes a possessive adjective.
  • Results

    • Avoid adjectives and adverbs; instead use nouns and verbs.
  • Writing in Different Academic Disciplines

    • Research-based writing in the sciences generally uses a formal tone, third-person voice, and avoids personal references and needless adjectives.
  • Step 6: Editing and Proofreading

    • Properly placed modifiers: Make sure your reader can clearly discern what each adjective and adverb is meant to describe.
    • Also examine each use of the word "very" and see if you can find a more precise adjective that doesn't require its use.
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