< Introduction to Reading English
Adjectives
Adjectives are words that describe nouns.
Syntax
In English, adjectives go before nouns, for example 'The black cat.'
Gradable and non-gradable
Adjectives are generally gradable or non-gradable. Gradable adjectives can take the word "very", but not the words "completely" or "absolutely", whereas non-gradable adjectives are the reverse: they sound strange with the word "very" and do take the words "absolutely" or "completely."
| Gradable | Non-gradable |
|---|---|
| very cold | |
| absolutely freezing |
Examples of gradable and non-gradable adjective pairs:
| Gradable | Non-gradable |
|---|---|
| hot | scorching |
| good | perfect |
| bad | awful |
| funny | hilarious |
| interesting | fascinating |
Choosing a gradable or non-gradable adjective can change the force of your language, which is important for example for communicating your feelings when giving praise or making complaints, or for using exaggeration to make a story more interesting.
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