Adjectives

A Introduction

Henry and Claire are having dinner in a quiet restaurant.

It's a warm evening.

The food is delicious.

Henry is feeling romantic.

An adjective is a word like quiet, warm, delicious, romantic. The word quiet describes the restaurant. It tells us what the restaurant is like.

B Word order

There are two places where we can use an adjective: before a noun (a quiet restaurant) and after a linking verb (feeling romantic).

BEFORE A NOUN AFTER A LINKING VERB

Claire's got a new car. Claire's car is new.

It was a dark night. It was getting dark.

This is good coffee. This coffee tastes good.

Some linking verbs are: appear, be, become, feel, get, look, seem, smell, stay, taste

We can use two or more adjectives together.

It's a quiet little restaurant.

Mike was wearing a dirty old coat.

We can put a word like very or quite before an adjective.

It was a very dark night.

Henry was feeling quite romantic.

Very and quite are adverbs of degree.

C Adjectives used in one position only

We can use most adjectives in both positions - before a noun or after a linking verb. But a few adjectives can go in one position but not in the other.

Here are some examples of adjectives which can only go before a noun.

Be careful crossing the main road.

The only problem is I've got no money.

Chess is an indoor game.

The former footballer now trains young players.

Some more examples are: chief (main), elder (older), eldest (oldest), inner, outdoor, outer, principal (main), upper.

Here are some examples of adjectives which can only go after a linking verb.

At last the baby is asleep.

Emma's two brothers are very alike.

I'm really pleased to see you.

Vicky looked ill, I thought.

Some more examples are: afraid, alone, ashamed, awake, alive, content (happy), fine (in good health), glad, unwell, well