Unit 2: Grammar and Usage

Adjectives

An adjective is a word that modifies or describes a noun.

Examples : He is a good student.

        He does fine work.

        He wore a blue shirt.

The bolded words are adjectives, because they modify a noun.

Adjectives which have different forms, express degrees of comparison. The simple form of the adjective is called the positive. When two objects are compared, the adjective which refers to them is said to be comparitive. To form the comparitive, add er to the positive, or simply an r, if the adjective already end in e.

In comparisons of more than two, the adjective used is called superlative. The superlative form of an adjective is formed by adding est or st if the adjective ends in e.

Example :

An adjective ending in y in order to form the comparative it is necessary to change the y to an i and add er. And, in order to change the adjectives to the superlative, the y must be changed to an i, and also add, est.

Examples :    sleepy ( sleepier, sleepiest ); lazy ( lazier, laziest )

Remember :When there are only two objects, the comparing adjective must be comparative, and not superlative.

Correct : Who is older, Sue or Paul?

Incorrect : Who is oldest, Sue or Paul?

All adjectives that consist of three or more syllables form the comparative by using the word more. In order to express the superlative, use most. This is true of many adjectives that consist of two syllables. Again, there is no rule and you must learn by adding er and est by careful reading and study.

Just as there are irregular verbs, so there are irregular adjectives ( although, not as many as there are verbs. )

An adjective derived from a proper noun will begin with a capital letter. just like the proper noun itself.

Examples :  America ( American ); Mexico ( Mexican ); Rome ( Roman )

When using the comparative degree with than, you must mark off the thing you are talking about from the class of things to which it is compared. This is done by use of the word other.

Correct : A giraffe is taller than any other animal in Africa.

Incorrect : A giraffe is taller than any animal in Africa.

Important : Never use a double comparative adjective.

Incorrect : She is more busier than ever.

Correct : She is busier than ever.

Correct : She is more busy than ever.