Oxford Online English: Using Adjectives in English

Introduction

• Presenter: Daniel
• Topic: Using adjectives in English
• Resources: Visit OxfordOnlineEnglish.com for free video and listening lessons and professional online classes.

Basics of Adjectives

• Definition: Adjectives describe nouns and add information to a noun or noun phrase.
• Usage Patterns:
  1. Before a noun: e.g., 'red high-heeled shoes', 'a reliable friend'
  2. After a noun using a linking verb: e.g., 'She felt happy', 'It’s sunny'
• Linking Verbs: Verbs that add information to a subject; examples include 'be', 'seem', 'become', 'feel', 'appear'.

Identifying Adjectives

• Adjectives can vary in appearance and endings.
• They can have comparative (e.g., 'good-better') and superlative forms (e.g., 'hard-hardest').
• Compound adjectives are formed from two or more words, e.g., 'a 25-year-old man'.

Gradable vs. Ungradable Adjectives

• Gradable Adjectives: Can have different levels, e.g., 'nice', 'interesting'.
• Ungradable Adjectives: Binary, either 'yes' or 'no', e.g., 'unique', 'delicious'.
  • Types:
    • Strong meaning: 'delicious', 'exhausted'
    • Absolute meaning: 'unique', 'true'
• Rules:
  • Comparatives can't be formed from ungradable adjectives, e.g., 'more delicious'.
  • Use 'very' with gradable adjectives, and 'absolutely' with ungradable adjectives.
  • Use 'really' with both types.

Position of Adjectives

• Adjectives can be used before the noun or after it with a linking verb.
• Some adjectives are restricted to one position:
  • After noun only: 'asleep'
  • Before noun only: 'main', 'elder'
• Examples: 'alone' (after), 'ill' (after), 'complete' (both), 'only' (before), 'unhappy' (both), 'afraid' (after).

Adjectives with Different Meanings

• Some adjectives can change meaning based on their position:
  • Example: 'Professional'
    • Gradable: 'a very professional way' (effective/competent)
    • Ungradable: 'a professional tennis player' (job-related)
  • Example: 'Present'
    • After noun: 'Jerome was present' (there)
    • Before noun: 'the present situation' (relating to now)

Conclusion

• Adjectives don't follow a simple set of rules.
• Understanding context is crucial to interpreting adjectives correctly.
• Adjectives can have different meanings based on gradability and position in a sentence.

Discussion

• Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on confusing aspects of using English adjectives.