120-139
12/3/02
2:55 PM
Page 122
Page 1 of 3
1 Here’s the Idea
●
An adjective is a word that modifies, or describes, a
noun or a pronoun.
DIFIES
MO
A heavy rainstorm soaked the campsite.
ADJECTIVE
NOUN
Adjectives help you see, feel, taste, hear, and smell all the
experiences you read about. Notice how adjectives make the
second sentence in this pair more descriptive.
Coyotes startled the campers.
CHAPTER 5
Noisy coyotes startled the sleepy campers.
Adjectives answer the questions what kind, which one, how
many, and how much.
Adjectives
What kind?
green
backpack
sturdy tent
spicy stew
Which one
or ones?
last
hamburger
third hike
every lantern
How many or
how much?
two flashlights
many insects
little moonlight
What kind?
waterproof floor
round roof
Which one or ones?
only door
each window
How many?
several stakes
two people
122
120-139
12/3/02
2:55 PM
Page 123
Page 2 of 3
Articles
The most commonly used adjectives are the articles a, an, and
the. A and an are used with singular nouns. Use a before a
word beginning with a consonant sound.
a tent
a candle
a lamp
Use an before a word beginning with a vowel sound.
an axe
an elephant
an unusual night
The is an article that points to a particular person, place,
thing, or idea. You can use the with singular or plural nouns.
The hiker tripped on the trail and dropped the cameras.
Did the team leader bring a first-aid kit?
ONE SPECIFIC LEADER
ANY FIRST-AID KIT
Proper Adjectives
Many adjectives are formed from common nouns.
Nouns and Adjectives
Noun
Adjective
rain
rainy
scene
scenic
beauty
beautiful
A proper adjective is formed from a proper noun. Proper
adjectives are always capitalized.
Proper Nouns and Proper Adjectives
Proper Noun
Proper Adjective
China
Chinese
Ireland
Irish
Mars
Martian
Adjectives and Adverbs 123
ADJ. & ADV.
Use the when you want to refer to a specific person, place,
thing, or idea. Use a and an when you want to be less specific.
120-139
12/3/02
2:55 PM
Page 124
Page 3 of 3
2 Why It Matters in Writing
●
Adjectives provide important details about the nouns they
describe. Imagine this description without adjectives.
CHAPTER 5
Text not available for use on
CD-ROM. Please refer to the
text in the textbook.
3 Practice and Apply
●
CONCEPT CHECK: What Is an Adjective?
Write each adjective and the noun or pronoun it modifies. Do
not include articles when you write the adjectives.
Urban Wilderness
1. Central Park is now an American landmark.
2. It was once a dirty swamp that was filled with ugly
shacks and much garbage.
3. In 1858 there was a national competition for a plan to turn
the spot into an attractive park.
4. People tried to imagine a place where New Yorkers could
enjoy the great outdoors.
5. The park took the builders sixteen years to complete.
6. The landscape includes green meadows, lakes, ponds,
woods, and beautiful gardens.
7. There is also an Egyptian statue.
8. Other attractions include a colorful carousel and a zoo.
9. The zoo features an African exhibit with birds and monkeys.
10. Many monuments are scattered throughout the park.
●
●
For a SELF-CHECK and more practice, see the EXERCISE BANK, p. 545.
Write the proper adjectives that appear in sentences 1, 7, and 9.
1. American/7. Egyptian/9. African
124 Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics