2015-08-21
610
Adjectives can be divided into two classes: a large class of words which can be graded (gradable adjectives) and a small class that cannot be graded (non-gradable adjectives). An adjective is gradable when:
- we can imagine degrees in the quality referred to and so can use it with words like very, too, and enough-very good too good, less good not good enough, etc. [> 7.50]
- we can form a comparative and superlative from it [> 6.22, 6.24-25] (big) bigger, biggest, (good) better, best, etc.
An adjective is non-gradable when:
- we cannot modify it (i.e. we cannot use it with very too, etc.)
- we cannot make a comparative or superlative from it: e.g. daily dead, medical, unique, etc. [> 7.42].
Some problems for the learner in the use of adjectives
Learners may experience interference from their own language in relation to the following characteristics of adjectives in English:
- they do not vary in form to 'agree' with nouns [> 6.4]: a tall man/woman'tree, tall men'women/trees
- they generally precede nouns when used attributively [> 6.7]: a cool drink, a long day a pretty dress
- when used attributively, they nearly always combine with a noun or with one/ones [> 4.10]. So we must use a noun in expressions like You poor thing' You lucky girl' [compare > 4.7.4].
a young man a one-eyed man [compare > 6.12.2].
- the verbs be seem, etc. combine with adjectives like afraid, cold
hot hungry lucky, right sleepy thirsty, unlucky, wrong, where in
some European languages such words are used as nouns after
have, or an idea can be expressed by a verb. So, in English,
depending on context, she is cold may relate to temperature (i.e.
not warm) or attitude (i.e. not friendly)- Nor do adjectives like cold
hot, etc. combine with make to refer to the weather:
It (i.e. the weather) is cold/hot/wmdy
- for adjectives and adverbs often confused (fast, etc.) [> App 14].
