GRAMMAR: ADJECTIVES

1. An adjective tells us something about a noun.

2. An adjective is usually used before a noun.

3. Example: I have a big house.

The word ‘big’ is an adjective. The word ‘big’ tells us about the house.

4. Kinds of adjectives:

Adjectives Adjectives Adjectives Adjectives Adjectives

that tells you that tells that tells you that tells you that tells you
the quality you the the size. the the origin.
of a noun. colour. quantity.

a pretty girl The sky is a big hat nine dwarfs a Malaysian

grey. flag
a hansome a thin boy ten cars
boy I like green a Mexican
apples. a large ship plenty of hat
a rich family money
Carrots are a long bridge a Japanese
a sad story orange. some food cartoon
a strong man too much Chinese
salt kungfu

5. Comparison of Adjectives (regular form): There are three degrees of

adjective comparisons

Degrees The Positive The Comparative The Superlative

of Degree Degree Degree
Adjectives

Usage is used to is used when two is used when

describe a noun nouns or things more than two
or a thing are being nouns or things
compared of which are being
one is of a higher compared. It
degree than the refers to the thing
other of the highest
degree of
comparison.
 Examples Ali is tall. Abu is taller than Hassan is the
Ali. tallest in class.

Melissa is pretty. Mandy is prettier Margaret is the

than Melissa. prettiest girl in
town.

Sally is young. Sylvia is younger Sam is the

than Sally. youngest in my
family.

Muthu is more Raju is the most

- hardworking than polite boy in the
Samy. class.

6. Comparison of Adjectives (irregular form):

The Positive Degree The Comparative The Superlative

Degree Degree

bad worse the worst

good better the best

little less the least

many more the most

much more the most

far further the furthest

old older the oldest

old older the eldest

Practice 1: Complete the table below.

The Positive Degree The Comparative The Superlative

Degree Degree

bright

fast

small

cheap

clever

loud
 rich

short

slower

thick

dark

clean

easy

heavy

hot

simple

thin

wet

high

close

safe

wide

big

mad

sad

busy

dirty

happy

pretty

charming __________ charming most charming

comfortable more comfortable __________ comfortable

poisonous __________ poisonous __________ poisonous

difficult __________ difficult __________ difficult

foolish __________ foolish __________ foolish

expensive __________ expensive __________ expensive

dangerous __________ dangerous __________ dangerous

 hard

cold

Practice 2: Complete the sentences to compare the sizes of three balls.

1. The ping pong ball is ___________ the tennis ball. (big)

2. The football is ___________ the tennis ball. (big)

3. The football is _______________ of all. (big)

4. The ping pong ball is ________________ among the three balls. (small)

Practice 3: Complete the sentences. Use the correct form (comparative or

superlative) of the adjectives given in brackets.

1. Sungai Rajang is _____________ Sungai Pahang. (long)

2. The Nile is _____________ river in the world. (long)

3. Mount Everest is _______________ mountain in the world. (high)

4. Mount Tahan is ______________ Mount Jerai. (high)

 5. Pahang is ______________ Kedah. (big)

6. Perlis is _______________ state in Malaysia. (small)

7. Fruits are _____________ for your health than chocolate. (good)

8. This is _____________ mee goreng I have ever tasted. (bad)

9. The Petronas Twin Tower is _____________ landmark in Kuala Lumpur.

(famous)

10.A dictionary is usually ________ an exercise book. (thick)

Practice 4: Write sentences comparing the prices (cheap / expensive) of the three
vehicles below.

1. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__

2. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__

3. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__