Adjectives Basics helps you communicate about describing qualities, states and opinions. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can use adjectives to describe nouns and subject complements.
- Recognise and build the form: adjective + noun; linking verb + adjective.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Adjectives Basics for describing qualities, states and opinions. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
She bought a beautiful dress.
Use an adjective before the noun 'dress'.
The soup tastes delicious.
Use an adjective after the linking verb 'tastes'.
We live in a small apartment.
Use an adjective directly before the noun it describes.
adjective + noun; linking verb + adjectiveKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use an adjective before the noun 'dress'.
- Use an adjective after the linking verb 'tastes'.
- Use an adjective directly before the noun it describes.
- Use an adjective after the linking verb 'are'.
- Use '-ing' adjective 'interesting' for the thing that causes interest.
Common mistakes
Not:She bought a beautifully dress.
Use:She bought a beautiful dress.
Use an adjective before the noun 'dress'.
Not:The soup tastes deliciously.
Use:The soup tastes delicious.
Use an adjective after the linking verb 'tastes'.
Not:We live in a smallly apartment.
Use:We live in a small apartment.
Use an adjective directly before the noun it describes.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
The children are ____ today.
happy
Use an adjective after the linking verb 'are'.
It was an ____ journey.
interesting
Use '-ing' adjective 'interesting' for the thing that causes interest.
I was ____ by the documentary.
interested
Use '-ed' adjective 'interested' for the person experiencing the feeling.