Adjectives

Mr. Gould’s Pretty Good Grammar Notes

Basic Definition Adjective a word used to

describe a noun or pronoun- ancient dinosaurs- an extinct species

Basic Definitions, cont. Articles

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. Proper Adjective is formed from a

proper noun and is always capitalized- A Wyoming museum

has the fossil skeleton of a huge apatosaurus.

Basic Definitions, cont. Common Adjective any adjective which

is not proper, and is not capitalized- Mice are sometimes

tiny thieves.

Basic Definitions, cont. Demonstrative

Adjectives Points out a

particular noun this, these, that,

those- This kitten is mean,

but that cat is meaner.

Basic Definitions, cont. Demonstrative Adjectives, cont. Note: when a noun does not follow

this, these, those or that they are pronouns, not adjectives!!!

Basic Definitions, cont. Indefinite Adjectives gives an

approximate number w/o telling exactly how many.- Some cats like

having many mice around to chase.

Basic Definitions, cont. 3 Basic forms of an Adjective

Positve Form- describes w/o

comparing to anyone or anything else

- Michael Jordan is incredible!

Basic Definitions, cont. 3 Basic forms of an Adjective, cont.

Comparitive Form- compares two

persons, places, things or ideas

- Michael Jordan is tougher than Karl Malone. He shoots better.

Basic Definitions, cont. 3 Basic forms of an Adjective, cont.

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…

Place notes in Grammar section Homework: Next to your list of

20 precise nouns for a favorite sport, write 20 powerful adjectives for the same sport!

Due tomorrow!