Adjectives in English Grammar: Know How To Express Better in English
Ever wondered what makes a sentence vivid, emotional, or memorable? The answer often lies in adjectives in English grammar. These powerful words bring our language to life by adding color, feeling, and detail to every sentence.
In this complete guide to adjectives in English grammar, you’ll learn:
What adjectives are
How to use them naturally in sentences
Types of adjectives with examples
Rules for comparing adjectives
Common adjective mistakes and how to avoid them
Let’s explore the descriptive power of adjectives and level up your English skills.
What Are Adjectives in English?
Adjectives are words that describe, modify, or give more information about a noun or pronoun.
➢ We use an adjective before a noun – I saw a beautiful cat
➢ We use an adjective after ‘be’ – They are hungry.
➢ Adjectives don’t change before a plural noun. –They‘re prettys flowers
Learn the Types of Adjectives with Examples
Some adjectives tell us about the quality of a person. – Arrogant Boy
Some adjectives tell us about the nature of place – Remote Village
Some adjectives describe things in a general way giving information – Dark Night
Some adjectives tell us about the moods and feelings of people – Angry Girl
Some adjectives tell us about the character of people – Honest John
Some adjectives end with -ing – Cunning Fox
Some adjectives tell us about the colour of something – Black Eyes
Master English with our flexible online English course for adults. Improve fluency, grammar, and communication skills with live classes and personalized coaching—perfect for professionals, students, and homemakers.
How to use Adjectives ending in -ed vs. -ing
Compare frightened and frightening.
We use adjectives that end with ‘ed’ to describe people’s feeling
Subject – Rani was very frightened.
The subject of the sentence is the person who has the feeling.
We use an adjective that ends with -ing to talk about a thing or person that makes
us have a feeling.
Subject – The ghost was very frightening.
The subject of the sentence causes the feeling (e.g. the ghost)
➢ We are all surprised by the news. (We feel surprised)
➢ The news is surprising. (The news makes us feel surprised)
➢ I’m interested in your idea. (Your idea is interesting)
➢ I was relaxed.
➢ I went for a relaxing walk.
Let's Learn Comparison in Adjectives:
Adjectives help us compare people, things, and experiences. They come in three forms:
Positive Degree: (an adjective describes one thing and offers no comparison): sweet, fine,
intelligent, beautiful
Comparative Degree: (an adjective compares two things only): sweeter, finer, more
intelligent, less beautiful (Use “more” or “less” in the comparative degree if the
adjective has more than two syllables; sometimes, either form is acceptable: costlier,
more costly.)
Superlative Degree: (an adjective compares more than two things): sweetest, finest, most
intelligent, least beautiful (Use “most” or “least” in the superlative degree if the
adjective has more than two syllables.)
Regular Adjective Forms Table
Irregular Adjective Forms Table
Absolute Adjectives: Not Meant for Comparison
These adjectives describe an all-or-nothing condition. They can’t be compared:
dead, alive, pregnant, empty, full, perfect, unique, complete, ideal, excellent, super, fatal
Also, some adjectives ending in -ior (like junior, superior, inferior) have no superlative or positive form. They are followed by “to” instead of “than”.
Examples of Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
Comparative Adjectives
Used when comparing two people or things:
White cars are softer than yellow cars.
Mosquitoes are more dangerous than sharks.
Tigers are better swimmers than cats.
Superlative Adjectives
Used to express the extreme or highest degree:
It’s the hottest country in the world.
The most dangerous time is winter.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Double Comparatives / Superlatives
Never use more than one form of comparison in the same sentence.
Wrong: I am more happier than you.
Right: I am happier than you.
Wrong: This is the most sweetest fruit I ever tasted.
Right: This is the sweetest fruit I ever tasted.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to use adjectives in English grammar transforms your speech and writing. You’ll sound more expressive, confident, and clear. From beginners to advanced learners, adjectives are a must-have in your English toolkit.
From Learning to Speaking – Make It Happen!
Ready to make your sentences more expressive? Join our Spoken English Course Online and bring your English to life with confidence.
Find out more
