ADJECTIVES

An adjective is a describing word. It tells you more about a noun. An adjective usually appears before the noun it describes. Sometimes, though, the adjective appears after the noun, later in the sentence.

a busy street

a dark corner

a deep sea

a large bed

a smart dog

an old building

a tall basketball player

It is windy.

John’s handwriting is very neat.

The sea is rough.

All the players are very tall.

The baby’s hands are very small.

Sue’s drawing is beautiful.

That problem is too difficult.

Peter is very quiet today.

ADJECTIVE ENDINGS

Adjectives have different endings. Some adjectives end in -ful or -less.

a beautiful dress

a careless driver

a faithful dog

a harmless insect

a useful tool

homeless people

playful puppies

An adjective that ends in -less is the opposite of the same adjective that ends in -ful. For example:

careful – careless

useful – useless

colorful – colorless

harmful – harmless

The -ful ending means having a lot of something. For example:

painful = having a lot of pain

hopeful = having a lot of hope

The -less ending means without. For example:

leafless = without leaves

sleeveless = without sleeves

RULES TO FORM THE ADJECTIVES

Rule 1: Some adjectives end in -y.

a dirty street

a noisy room

an oily pot

a sleepy passenger

a sunny day

a stormy sea

a muddy path

Rule 2: Some adjectives end in -ive.

an active child

an attractive hat

a creative toy

an expensive necklace

talkative pupils

Rule 3: Some adjectives end in -ing.

a caring nurse

an interesting book

loving parents

matching clothes

a smiling face

a cunning fox

a dazzling sunshine

Rule 4: Some adjectives end in -ly.

a costly diamond ring

an elderly woman

lively kittens

a lonely boy

a lovely girl

a weekly magazine

a daily newspaper

a friendly police officer

NOTE

Many adverbs also end in -ly.

Here are some adjectives with the endings -able, -al, -en, -ible, -ish and -ous.

childish behavior

a national costume

a comfortable chair

a musical instrument

a dangerous place

a terrible mess

a foolish act

a woolen sweater

a horrible smell

a wooden table

a loveable koala

a broken chair

a famous pop singer

a poisonous snake