Adjectives used as nouns (2023)

As you know, adjectives and nouns are different parts of speech. A noun is a word that refers to a person, animal, thing, or idea, and an adjective describes a noun. For example, in the phrase 'a clever boy', 'clever' is an adjective, and 'boy' is a noun.

(Video) How to use ADJECTIVES as NOUNS - A helpful guide (English Grammar)

In English, some adjectives can function as nouns. These are adjectival nouns.

(Video) Adjectives used as nouns

Let’s look at the following examples:

(Video) English Grammar Rules: Nouns Used as Adjectives

  • I read about the lifestyle ofthe richandfamous.
  • We provide health care forthe poorandelderly.

'The rich', 'the famous', 'the poor', and 'the elderly' are adjectives used as nouns. These expressions mean people considered together as a group. For example, the rich means people who are rich.

(Video) Using Nouns as Adjectives (HD Version)

As you can see, these nouns are always plural and used with the definite article.

(Video) WREN AND MARTIN| CHAPTER 11| ADJECTIVES USED AS NOUNS | URDU & HINDI

Here are some examples of plural adjectival nouns with their definitions:

(Video) Adjectives as Nouns | Useful grammar

The blind

People who…

cannot see

The deaf

cannot hear

The destitute

have no money or possessions

The dead

are no longer alive

The dying

are about to die

The elderly

are old

The faithful

belive in a religion

The homeless

have no home

The injured

have been injured in an accident or attack

The insane

are mentally ill

The jobless

are unemployed

The old

are no longer young

The poor

have little money

The rich

have a lot of money

The sick

are physically or mentally ill

The wealthy

are rich

The wicked

are morally bad

The wounded

are injured by a weapon

The young

have lived for only a short time


Adjectives used as nouns (1)

(Video) English Grammar by Wren and Martin | Chapter-11 | Adjectives Used As Nouns

(Video) Advanced English Lesson: Using ADJECTIVES as NOUNS

FAQs

What is the adjective of enough? ›

Enough as an adjective.

Used as a quantifier adjective, enough is not really a problem word. However it can only be used as an attributive adjective (one that stands before the noun it qualifies); it cannot be used as a predicative adjective (after the verb to be or similar verbs).

What is an example with enough noun? ›

With nouns

enough comes before nouns. There isn't enough bread to make sandwiches. Have you got enough money?

What are examples of adjectives used as nouns? ›

'The rich', 'the famous', 'the poor', and 'the elderly' are adjectives used as nouns. These expressions mean people considered together as a group. For example, the rich means people who are rich. As you can see, these nouns are always plural and used with the definite article.

What type of noun is enough? ›

Enough is a determiner, a pronoun or an adverb. We use enough to mean 'as much as we need or want'.

Which adjective means more than enough? ›

Plentiful, ample, abundant, bountiful describe a more than adequate supply of something. Plentiful suggests an over-adequate quantity: a plentiful supply.

What is the adjective of more than enough? ›

plentiful, ample, abundant, bountiful describe a more than adequate supply of something. plentiful suggests an over-adequate quantity: a plentiful supply.

What are 4 sentences with enough? ›

[M] [T] He had barely enough to eat. [M] [T] She isn't good enough for him. [M] [T] He is old enough to drive a car. [M] [T] He is old enough to travel alone.

Is enough a noun verb or adjective? ›

The word enough can be used as an adjective, an adverb or with a noun. It can even be used as a pronoun.

How do you write adjectives for nouns? ›

We can form adjectives from nouns by adding suffixes to a noun. The Adjectives that are formed by adding -y or -al or -ial as a suffix are given below in the table. If the noun has an 'e' in the ending, it is removed and -y or -al or -ial is added as a suffix to the noun to form an adjective.

How do you make a noun from an adjective? ›

Using a suffix lets us make new words. The suffix ness is used to change many adjectives (describing words) into nouns (naming words). If the adjective ends in 'y' then it needs to be changed to 'i' before ness is added. The suffix ity can also be used to change adjectives into nouns.

How do you find adjectives in a noun? ›

Look for a word before a noun that describes the noun.

The nouns is the person, place or thing that is the subject of the sentence. Then, check to see if there is a descriptive word right before the noun. If there is, then it may be an adjective.

What are the types of enough? ›

Two types of 'enough': sufficiency as minimum and maximum.

What is an example of an adjective enough to a verb? ›

Here's an expert spoken example of 'adjective + enough + TO + infinitive': I was lucky enough to be able to say goodbye. 'Enough' is an adverb that modifies the adjective 'lucky'. 'Enough' means 'as much as needed' or in our example 'I have the amount of luck that I needed so I could say bye'.

What is enough in good enough? ›

The principle of good enough or "good enough" principle is a rule in software and systems design. It indicates that consumers will use products that are good enough for their requirements, despite the availability of more advanced technology.

What is enough as adjective and adverb? ›

Enough is one of those words that can be used as an adjective and an adverb. The adverb enough is used to modify an adjective. In this case, it goes after the adjective it modifies. She is old enough to earn a living.

What type of adverb is enough? ›

The words "too", "enough", "very", and "extremely" are examples of adverbs of degree.

Is enough an adjective of quantity? ›

Adjectives of quantity show how much of a thing is meant; as — some, little, enough, no, much. These adjective words answer the question “How much of it?” Observe the following sentences.

What's a word for had enough? ›

On this page you'll find 36 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to had enough, such as: appalled, outraged, queasy, tired, unhappy, and weary.

What kind of adjective is enough money? ›

enough is an indefinite Adjective as it indicates a vague amount of money.

What is the synonym of with enough? ›

Synonyms of enough (adj. plenty) abundant. adequate. ample.

What is an example of enough in sentences? ›

Example Sentences

Adverb I couldn't run fast enough to catch up with her. She's old enough to know better. Are you rich enough to retire? That's good enough for me.

How do you use enough in a sentence as an adverb? ›

as an adverb (after an adjective, adverb, or verb): The rope isn't long enough. She didn't move quickly enough. You haven't practised enough. Enough is sometimes used after particular nouns, but this is not common: Don't ask questions – there'll be time enough for that later.

How do you use not adjective enough in a sentence? ›

Use the not + adjective + enough form for something lacking the amount or level that is needed. I'm not thin enough to wear these jeans. My house isn't big enough to host a party. My car isn't dirty enough yet for a wash.

What is a sentence for too and enough? ›

I don't have enough time to get everything done. I think the test was too difficult. There is too much salt in this soup!

How do you use more than enough in a sentence? ›

On how many concussions he sustained: "I've had more than enough, I've had more than enough. The facts of the case had more than enough meaning. United yesterday had more than enough of it. "We've had more than enough zeros across the board".

What are examples of enough and not enough? ›

You can use “enough” and “not enough” with any kind of noun – both countable nouns and uncountable nouns. For example: “We had enough sleep last night.” 'Sleep' is an uncountable noun. “They don't have enough books.” 'Book' is a countable noun.

Could a noun be an adjective? ›

English often uses nouns as adjectives - to modify other nouns. For example, a car that people drive in races is a race car. A car with extra power or speed is a sports car. Nouns that modify other nouns are called adjectival nouns or noun modifiers.

What are 10 examples of an adjective? ›

Examples of adjectives
  • They live in a beautiful house.
  • Lisa is wearing a sleeveless shirt today. This soup is not edible.
  • She wore a beautiful dress.
  • He writes meaningless letters.
  • This shop is much nicer.
  • She wore a beautiful dress.
  • Ben is an adorable baby.
  • Linda's hair is gorgeous.

What are 20 describing words? ›

20 Describing Words That Are Commonly Used in English
AmazingInterestingCharming
KindlySincerelyLovingly
UsuallyCommonlyNormally
TerriblyRemarkablySignificantly
AbsolutelyHappyDelightful

How much is enough meaning? ›

Enough means as much as you need or as much as is necessary.

What is an adjective meaning not good enough? ›

synonyms for not good enough

Most relevant. deficient. disappointing. distressing. mediocre.

Is it quickly enough or quick enough? ›

Quick is an adjective, so you should use it to modify nouns. Quickly is an adverb, so you should use it to modify verbs.

What does it mean to be enough? ›

You are enough means that you don't have to strive to become more worthy, more valid, more acceptable, or more loved.

How to be perfect enough? ›

How to remember that you are good enough
  1. Know that your mind can trick you. Humans are incredibly biased. ...
  2. Talk to yourself as though you were your own child. ...
  3. Remember your strengths. ...
  4. Leave the past behind. ...
  5. Let go of perfection. ...
  6. Don't compare yourself to others. ...
  7. Be grateful.

What does often enough mean? ›

often enough adv

informal (quite frequently)

What is the adj not enough? ›

Use the not + adjective + enough form for something lacking the amount or level that is needed. I'm not thin enough to wear these jeans. My house isn't big enough to host a party.

Is enough an adjective of quantity or number? ›

Adjectives of quantity show how much of a thing is meant; as — some, little, enough, no, much. These adjective words answer the question “How much of it?” Observe the following sentences.

Is enough an adjective of number? ›

The adjectives “few,” “many,” “many,” “enough,” “some,” “all,” “half,” “whole,” “enough,” and “numerous” are examples of quantity adjectives.

What is an example of enough and not enough? ›

You can use “enough” and “not enough” with any kind of noun – both countable nouns and uncountable nouns. For example: “We had enough sleep last night.” 'Sleep' is an uncountable noun. “They don't have enough books.” 'Book' is a countable noun.

What are the 10 examples of adjective of quantity? ›

Examples of adjectives of quantity include “many,” “few,” “some,” “several,” “plenty,” “adequate,” “insufficient,” “scanty,” “little,” “much,” “most,” “all,” “enough,” “couple,” “handful,” “dozens,” “scores,” “hundreds,” “thousands,” “millions,” and “billions.” Adjectives of quantity can be used to provide more ...

What are the 10 examples of adjective of quality? ›

Examples of adjectives of quality include “beautiful,” “tall,” “round,” “blue,” “rough,” “shiny,” “delicious,” “strong,” “gentle,” “wise,” and “energetic.”

What are 2 adjectives? ›

Adjectives are words that describe the qualities or states of being of nouns: enormous, doglike, silly, yellow, fun, fast.

Is enough an indefinite adjective? ›

Common indefinite adjectives are the words a lot of, all, another, any, both, each, either, enough, few, less, little, lots of, many, more, most, much, neither, other, several, and some.

What are the five adjective of quantity? ›

The Adjective of Quantity examples are:
  • 1)Some. Some are used as an Adjective of Quantity in the affirmative kind of sentences.
  • 2) Any. Any in a sentence is used when the nature of the sentence is negative or interrogative.
  • 3) Double. The numerical two indirectly means double. ...
  • 4) Enough. ...
  • 5) Substantial.

What is the plural form of enough? ›

enough (plural enoughs)

Videos

1. WREN AND MARTIN| CHAPTER 11| ADJECTIVES USED AS NOUNS | URDU & HINDI
(Dilazak Academy)
2. Adjectives as Nouns | Useful grammar
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3. English Grammar by Wren and Martin | Chapter-11 | Adjectives Used As Nouns
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4. Parts of Speech in English Grammar: NOUNS & ADJECTIVES
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5. #nounadjectives #compoundnouns #adjectives HOW TO USE NOUNS AS ADJECTIVES IN ENGLISH GRAMMAR
(The Grammar Detective)
6. Turn NOUNS & VERBS into ADJECTIVES!
(English with Ronnie · EnglishLessons4U with engVid)

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