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Adjectives can be identified using a number
of formal criteria. However, we may begin by saying that they typically
describe an attribute of a noun:
large windows violent storms Some adjectives can be identified by their endings. Typical adjective endings include:
However, a large number of very common adjectives cannot be identified in this way. They do not have typical adjectival form:
As this list shows, adjectives are formally very diverse. However, they have a number of characteristics which we can use to identify them. Characteristics of AdjectivesAdjectives can take a modifying word, such as very, extremely, or less, before them:
extremely large windows less violent storms Here, the modifying word locates the adjective on a scale of comparison, at a position higher or lower than the one indicated by the adjective alone. This characteristic is known as GRADABILITY. Most adjectives are gradable, though if the adjective already denotes the highest position on a scale, then it is non-gradable:
As well as taking modifying words like very and extremely,adjectives also take different forms to indicate their position on a scale of comparison:
In most cases, the comparative is formed by adding -er , and the superlative is formed by adding -est, to the absolute form. However, a number of very common adjectives are irregular in this respect:
Some adjectives form the comparative and superlative using more and most respectively:
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