Grammar: Word classes: Adjectives

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What are adjectives?: Form and function

When we use the term 'adjective' we are referring to a particular grammatical class or form. We can also think of adjectives in terms of the functions they perform:

Form Function

adjective

 describing the characteristics of a person, place or thing (Describer* or Attribute*) 

She fed the hungry dogs.
                  Describer

The dogs were hungry.
                      Attribute

saying 'what type' (Classifier) She grabbed two big plastic bags.
                               Classifier
indicating possession (Possessive) She cut off the mouse's tail.
                       Possessive
expressing 'possibility', 'usuality', 'obligation' (modality)** That's a possible answer.
expressing a personal attitude ('comment')** Bozo is very lazy.

* The term 'Describer' is used here, but you might find the more technical term 'Epithet' used in reference books. Describer refers to adjectives that occur within the noun group (the hungry dogs). Attribute refers to adjectives that follow a relating verb (The dogs were hungry).

** The function of these adjectives is more of an interpersonal nature and includes a degree of judgement or opinion.

Note that the terms Classifier, Describer and Possessive are written with a capital to remind us that they are functional terms.

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