Proper Adjectives for intermediate learners
Proper adjectives are commonly used in English. They tend to modify nouns and pronouns. in this lesson, we will learn more about them.
What Are Proper Adjectives?
Proper Adjectives: Function
As mentioned above, the major function of proper adjectives is to modify a noun. Take a look at some examples below:
I have a
The
Warning!
Please note that proper adjectives are always capitalized because they are made of proper nouns.
Proper adjectives can modify nouns and pronouns, or be subject complements in statements. Study the following examples carefully:
He is an
Here, the adjective is modifying a noun.
They are
Here, the proper adjective comes after a liking verb, therefore it is a subject complement.
Proper Adjectives: Types
Since these adjectives are derived from proper nouns, there are thousands of them in English. Take a look at the list below:
- Nationalities: Italian, Irish, Japanese, Hungarian
- Religions: Christian. Buddhist, Satanist
- Cities: Chicagoan, Venetian
- Famous People: Jacobean, Elizabethan, Victorian, Kafkaesque
Tip!
The Differences Between Proper Adjectives and Proper Nouns
The main difference between proper adjectives and proper nouns is that proper nouns are the names of specific people, places, or things, while proper adjectives are derived from proper nouns. Proper nouns serve as the root words for proper adjectives, but proper nouns themselves do not have a root word. Study the following examples carefully:
I really enjoy watching
Here, the root word for 'German' is 'Germany' and it is a proper adjective.
Look at the beautiful
Here, 'London' is a proper noun and has no root words.
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Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
Comparative adjectives are used to compare one noun to another noun. Superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more nouns.
Attributive and Predicative Adjectives
An attributive adjective is an adjective that appears before the noun or pronoun it describes. In this lesson, we will learn more about them.
Compound Adjectives
Compound adjectives are used as one single adjective. They function as the head of the sentence. In this lesson, we will learn all about them.
Participle Adjectives
Participle adjectives are the same form as participles with the same characteristics with adjectives.
