Adjectives at a glance
a useful rule
Read the rule, inspect the example, then check yourself.
Overview
Adjectives describe nouns. They can tell us quality, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, or opinion.
Adjectives usually do not change for plural nouns
Use the same adjective form with singular and plural nouns.
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- useful rules
Main Rules
Adjectives normally come before nouns or after linking verbs.
Before a noun
Put adjectives before the noun they describe.
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- an interesting example
After linking verbs
Use adjectives after be, seem, look, feel, become, and sound.
- The rule is clear.
- This sounds useful.
Patterns
When several adjectives come before a noun, English prefers a common order.
Adjective order
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| opinion | useful, difficult, beautiful |
| size or age | small, old, new |
| color or origin | blue, English, Italian |
| material or purpose | paper, grammar, training |
Examples
Adjectives make the noun more precise.
She gave a short clear answer.
Short and clear describe answer.
This exercise is easier than the last one.
Use comparative forms to compare two things.
It is the most useful rule in this unit.
Use superlatives for the top item in a group.
Common Mistakes
Do not add plural endings to adjectives or use more with every comparative.
These are importants rules.
These are important rules.
Adjectives do not take plural -s.
This rule is more easier.
This rule is easier.
Do not combine more with an -er comparative.