When quality-words are joined to nouns by copulas, they are said to be “predicated” of those nouns. They may be written or printed in connection with nouns, without being joined to them by copulas; thus:
- white chalk
- sour apples
- a square table
- good boys
When thus used, they describe or restrict the meaning of nouns, but are not predicated of them.
Words that do not express quality may be used as modifiers of nouns. In the sentences, below, the words “this”, “that”, “two”, and “three”, are modifiers of the nouns that follow them; but they do not express any quality.
- This book is heavy.
- That book is light.
- Two boys were sick.
- Three boys were idle.
The words “this” and “that” simply point out the nouns to which they belong; “two” and “three” denote number.
Those words which modify nouns by expressing quality, pointing them out, or denoting number, are called Adjectives.
An Adjective is a word used to describe or define a noun.
Classes of Adjectives
There are two classes of Adjectives: Descriptive and Definitive. All quality-words are Descriptive Adjectives.
A Descriptive Adjective describes a noun by expressing some quality belonging to it; as, good, white.
Pointing-out words and number-words are Definitive Adjectives.
A Definitive Adjective limits or defines a noun without expressing any of its qualities; as, thin, few.
Remember that most adjectives derived from proper nouns, should commence with capitals; as, American cotton, French customs.
Source: Harvey’s Elementary Grammar & Composition.
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