Adjectives Adjective An adjective is a word that

Adjectives Adjective An adjective is a word that modifies (describes) a noun or a pronoun. Several adjectives often appear in one sentence. More than one adjective may describe the same noun or pronoun. Business English at Work PP 12 -2 a

Adjectives continued Adjective An adjective answers these questions: What kind? green, old, round, strong Which one? this, that, these, those How many? two, few, 300, two-thirds, all, some Whose? hers, Maria’s, companies’ Business English at Work PP 12 -2 b

Adjectives Limiting Adjectives Indicate how many. May be numbers or words. We must wait six weeks for the new chairs. Lisa charges a $200 consulting fee. Business English at Work PP 12 -3

Adjectives Descriptive Adjectives Before Nouns Answer the question What kind? Usually precede nouns or follow linking verbs. We request sealed bids for the workstation estimates. Back disorders may result from poor posture. Business English at Work PP 12 -4

Adjectives Descriptive Adjectives After Linking Verbs Modify nouns or pronouns used as subjects. Act as complements (predicate adjectives). Proper office lighting is important. The noise in this office seems excessive. Business English at Work PP 12 -5

Adjectives Proper adjectives are proper nouns or words derived from proper nouns that function as adjectives. They answer the question which? Capitalize most proper adjectives as you would proper nouns. We selected the Italian desk lamps. Do not capitalize proper adjectives when they lose their connections with the proper nouns from which they were derived. Shelly recommends a light blue venetian blind. Business English at Work PP 12 -7

Adjectives Guidelines for Using A or An The initial sound (not the first letter) of the word that follows an article determines whether you will use a or an. Use a before words beginning with a consonant sound. a chair a desk a telephone Use a before words beginning with the long sound of u. a university a union a uniform Business English at Work PP 12 -9 a

Adjectives continued Guidelines for Using A or An Use an before words beginning with the vowel sounds a, e, i, o, and the short sound of u. an asset an outcome an unfortunate accident an estimate Use an before words beginning with silent h. an honest sales staff an hour ago an honor Business English at Work PP 12 -9 b

Adjectives The Article The Use with singular or plural nouns. Place before any other adjective when two or more adjectives precede a noun. Take short rest breaks throughout the day. The indoor air quality of the building is excellent. The most well-known category of CTD is carpal tunnel syndrome. Business English at Work PP 12 -10

Adjectives That’s All about Adjectives! Now, it’s your turn to practice. Complete page 10 in your workbook. Great job! Business English at Work