oxford_guide_to_english_grammar

PAGE 251
24
Adjectives
197 Summary
Introduction to adjectives • 198
Adjectives are words like short, old, cheap, happy, nice, electric. Most adjectives
express quality; they tell us what something is like.
An adjective always has the same form, except for comparison (shorter, shortest).
The position of adjectives • 199
An adjective can come before a noun.
a cheap shirt
It can also be a complement after be.
This shirt is cheap.
Adjectives used in one position only • 200
A few adjectives can go in one position but not in the other.
Some adjectives have different meanings in different positions.
at a certain time (= specific) Are you certain? (= sure)
Adjectives after nouns and pronouns • 201
Sometimes an adjective can go after a noun or pronoun.
shoppers eager for bargains
The order of adjectives •202
There is usually a fixed order of adjectives before a noun.
a nice old house
Amusing and amused, interesting and interested • 203
Adjectives in ing express the effect something has on us.
The delay was annoying.
Adjectives in ed express how we feel.
The passengers were annoyed.
The + adjective • 204
We can use the + adjective for a social group.
There's no work for the unemployed.
NOTE
There can be a phrase or clause after some adjectives.
Adjective + prepositional phrase: I'm afraid of heights. • 236
Adjective + to-infinitive: It's nice to have a bit of a rest. • 123
Adjective + clause: The passengers were annoyed that no information was given. • 262(6)