Forming Adjectives Definition, Forms, Types, Usage, and Examples

Adjectives are essential in English as they add flavour to your sentences by describing nouns or pronouns. But have you ever wondered how adjectives are formed? This guide explains the various ways adjectives can be created, outlines the rules to follow and provides examples to make it easy for learners of all ages.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Adjectives?
2. Typical Adjective Endings
3. Rules for Forming Adjectives
4. Forming Adjectives from Nouns, Verbs, and Adjectives
5. Examples of Forming Adjectives
6. Practice Exercises
7. Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Adjectives?

Adjectives are words that describe or modify a noun or pronoun. They tell us more about the qualities, quantity, or characteristics of a noun.

Examples:

• • The beautiful sunset amazed everyone.
  • He gave a helpful answer.
  • The weather is windy today.

Typical Adjective Endings

Some adjectives are easily recognizable by their endings. Here are common adjective endings:

1. -able / -ible: readable, incredible

2. -al: functional, natural

3. -ful: beautiful, helpful

4. -ic: artistic, terrific

5. -ive: creative, attractive

6. -less: hopeless, sleeveless

7. -ous: dangerous, fabulous

Rules for Forming Adjectives

When forming adjectives, certain changes might be needed. Here are some common rules and exceptions:

Forming Adjectives from Nouns, Verbs, and Other Adjectives

Adjectives can be formed from various parts of speech, including nouns, verbs, and even other adjectives.

1. From Nouns

Convert a noun into an adjective to describe a related quality.
Examples:

• • Accident → Accidental
  • Danger → Dangerous
  • Star → Starry

2. From Verbs

Adjectives can also come from verbs, often describing the action as a quality.
Examples:

• • Enjoy → Enjoyable
  • Talk → Talkative
  • Help → Helpful

3. From Other Adjectives

Sometimes adjectives are modified to create new adjectives.
Examples:

• • Comic → Comical
  • Red → Reddish
  • Sick → Sickly

Examples of Forming Adjectives

Here are some practical examples of forming adjectives in sentences:

1. Noun to Adjective:

• • • • Noun: wind → Adjective: windy
      • It’s a windy day today.

2. Verb to Adjective:

• • • • Verb: help → Adjective: helpful
      • She gave a helpful suggestion.

3. Adjective to Adjective:

• • • • Adjective: red → Adjective: reddish
      • The dress was a reddish color.

Practice Exercises

Try these exercises to test your understanding of forming adjectives.

1. Choose the Adjective

Identify the adjective in each group of words:

A. Inventive, Invent, Invented
B. Curiosity, Curious, Curiousive
C. Proliferate, Prolific, Proud

Answers:

A. Inventive
B. Curious
C. Prolific

2. Form Adjectives from Nouns

Convert the following nouns into adjectives:

A. Magic
B. Lady
C. Fool

Answers:

A. Magical
B. Ladylike
C. Foolish

3. Form Adjectives from Verbs

Convert these verbs into adjectives:

A. Talk
B. Improve
C. Annoy

Answers:

A. Talkative
B. Improved
C. Annoying

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How are adjectives formed from nouns?
Adjectives are formed from nouns by adding suffixes like -al, -ful, -y, or -ous. For example, beauty becomes beautiful.

Q2: Can verbs be turned into adjectives?
Yes, verbs can become adjectives by adding endings like -able, -ive, or -ing. For instance, help becomes helpful.

Q3: What are examples of adjectives formed from other adjectives?
Examples include red → reddish and comic → comical.