Adjectives Continued

We studied that adjectives are the words which qualify the nouns. Not only that. You should also know about the adjectives which are used as nouns. Let's see them now.

The adjectives which are used as nouns:

I. As plural nouns refer to a of persons:

1. The rich (rich people) should help the poor (the poor people)
2. The poor are always with us.
3. The meek are the blessed.
4. God loves the righteous.
5. The brave will win.

II. As singular nouns denoting abstract quality:

1. The future will threaten the cowards. (future life)
2. We always admire the pleasant. (Pleasant things)
3. We try to buy the finest. (fine things in general)

III. Sometimes nouns are used as adjectives:

1. I saw an elephant on the river bank.
2. We met him at the picnic spot.
3. The flower girl sang a song.
4. They went to the crocodile park.
5. The patient was given rice porridge

IV. The correct use of some adjectives:

Some: used in the affirmative sentences.

1. I have some money.
2. Roy had some unique pictures.
3. We shall buy some snacks.

Any: used in the negative sentences:

1. She does not have any money.
2. He will not get any promotion.
3. They won't give him any chance.

In the conditional clauses with 'if' (affirmative sentence) 'any' can be used.

1. If there is any emergency, the doctor will arrive.
2. If you have any problem, you can approach me.
3. If you see any stranger here, you can call me.

Each: used when speaking of two or more; but the number is limited and definite.

1. Each one of the boys will get a chance.
2. Four persons can sit on  each bench.
3. Each one should participate in the programme

Every; used when speaking of more than two -the total group-the number is indefinite

1. Every one appreciated him.
2. Distribute the sweets to every one.
3. It is every person's obligation to preserve our environment.

Little - hardly any (not much) negative.
A little - some (not much) positive.
The little - not much but all there is.

1. There is little water in the jug. (no / hardly some)
2. There is a little water in the jug. (some water)
3. The poor lady offered the little she had. (all that she had)
4. He had little savings for his future.
5. We have a little hope of crossing the river.
6. She lost the little money she had, in the floods.

Few: hardly any (negative)
A few: some (positive)
The few: not many - but all there are

1. Few are completely perfect in the world.
2. Few can understand the language of nature.
3. A few in the class will secure distinction.
4. He spoke only a few words to us.
5. The few members in the club are hesitant to help.
6. The few sheep the farmer had fell ill and died last week.

Exercises

I. Fill in the blanks with proper degree of adjectives given in brackets:

1. Sunil is the ___________ (brave) soldier in the army.
2. This sum is _____________ (easy) than the other.
3. This is a ____________ (beautiful) valley filled with a lot of daffodils.
4. Stanly is the __________ (fat) man in the school.
5. Relton is ________ (industrious) than his friends.
6. He is a ___________ (Clever) student.
7. Africa is the _________ (hot) continent in the world.
8. Thomson is __________ (courageous) than any other man in the society.
9. The parents love the __________ (young) son.
10. We need an _________ (able) teacher now.

II. Fill in the blanks suitably with 'a little' or 'the little':

1. __________ patience will help to bring peace.
2. __________ rice we had was spoiled completely.
3. You should take ___________ care to avoid such clashes.
4. He has __________ knowledge about this forest, I think.
5. ___________they had did not help them at the time of emergency.

III. Fill in the blanks with 'a few or the few:

1. ___________ sarees she has are very old.
2. We have only _________ persons to help us.
3. _________ heroes are really doing well.
4. _________ fruits in the basket are damaged.
5. We stayed in Kashmir for __________ days only.

Answers

I. proper degree of adjectives:

1. Bravest
2. Easier
3. Beautiful
4. Fattest
5. More industrious
6. Clever
7. Hottest
8. More courageous.
9. Youngest
10. Able

II. 'a little' or 'the little':

1. A little
2. The little
3. A little
4. A little
5. The little.

III. 'a few' or 'the few':

1. The few
2. A few
3. A few
4. The few
5. A few