Using adjectives in English
Adjectives in English are invariable. They do not change their form depending on the gender or number of the noun.
Examples
- This is a hot potato.
- Those are some hot potatoes.
To emphasise or strengthen the meaning of an adjective, use the adverbs very or really in front of the adjective you want to strengthen.
Examples
- This is a very hot potato
- Those are some really hot potatoes.
Adjectives in English usually appear in front of the noun that they modify.
Examples
- The beautiful girl ignored me.
- The fast red car drove away.
Adjectives can also appear after being and sensing verbs like to be, to seem , to look & to taste.
Examples
- Italy is beautiful.
- I don’t think she seems nice at all.
- You look tired.
- This meat tastes funny.
Some exceptions
Adjectives appear after the noun in some fixed expressions.
Examples
- The Princess Royal is visiting Oxford today.
- The President elect made a speech last night.
- He received a court martial the following week.
The adjectives involved, present & concerned can appear either before or after the noun that they modify, but with a different meaning depending on the placement.
Examples
| Adjective placed after the noun | Meaning | Adjective placed before the noun | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| I want to see the people involved. | I want to see the people who have something to do with this matter. | It was an involved discussion. | The discussion was detailed & complex. |
| Here is a list of the people present at the meeting. | Here is a list of the people who were at the meeting. | The present situation is not sustainable. | The current situation is not sustainable. |
| I need to see the man concerned by this accusation. | I need to see the man who has been accused. | A concerned father came to see me today. | A worried father came to see me today. |
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