1.1 Finding the adjectives
As with nouns and verbs, you’ve been using adjectives almost as long as you’ve been using English. When learning the language as children we will, very early on, know the difference between a red ball and a blue ball. For second language learners, adjectives are also introduced quite early on. So before going into the technical vocabulary, see how good you are at spotting adjectives in the first place.
Activity 1 Which words are adjectives?
a.
party
b.
boring
c.
birthday
d.
was
The correct answer is b.
a.
new
b.
flat
c.
buy
d.
need
The correct answer is a.
a.
us
b.
all
c.
delicious
d.
sandwiches
The correct answer is c.
a.
have
b.
met
c.
flatmate
d.
scary
The correct answer is d.
a.
charming
b.
we
c.
stayed
d.
hotel
The correct answer is a.
a.
lake
b.
peaceful
c.
know
d.
place
The correct answer is b.
Discussion
Again, if you’re unsure, try the ‘What’s X like?’ question: What was the birthday party like? What are the sandwiches like?
In 5) the answer to ‘What was the hotel like?’ could be two words: ‘utterly charming’, but the main one is charming. Utterly is there to make it stronger (like very or totally). You could say the hotel was charming. But it wouldn’t make much sense to say the hotel was utterly. It’s the same for most peaceful in 6). You could say the lake was peaceful but not the lake was most.