6.6: Adjectives

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1. Adjectives are words that describe nouns. They usually come in front of the noun.

The prestigious university admits 500 students each year.
Students love interactive classes.

2. Adjectives can come after the verb BE or linking verbs.

Advanced mathematics is challenging.
Fred seems sad today.

3. Adjectives do not add “-s” to “match” plural nouns as in some other languages.

They had ~~differents~~ problems. (different problems)

4. Be careful not to confuse adjectives and verbs. Use “BE” or a linking verb with adjectives.

Every morning she ~~late~~ to class. Every morning she is late to class.
That movie ~~does~~ very interesting. That movie is very interesting.

5. Some adjectives are made from the –ed form of the verb. Some are made from the –ing form of the verb. These are adjectives, not verbs. They describe how a person or thing IS, not what the person or thing is doing.

I was very excited to see him.
The class was confused during the class.
He will be surprised when he sees the party.

The explanation was confusing to me.
The movie was frightening.
A mountain vacation can be very relaxing.

6. Like adjectives, relative (adjective) clauses describe nouns: Be careful! Don’t repeat subjects and objects in relative pronouns. The people who ~~they~~ were arrested by the oppressive government were finally released.

The people who were arrested by the oppressive government ~~they~~ were finally released.