Descriptive adjectives are words that modify nouns by providing information about their qualities, quantities, or characteristics. They help make sentences more specific and vivid, allowing readers or listeners to form a clearer picture of the person, place, thing, or idea being described.
  • Descriptive adjectives modify nouns or pronouns.
  • They provide details about qualities, quantities, or characteristics.
  • They make language more vivid and specific.
Descriptive adjectives modify nouns by giving details and make descriptions more vivid.

Function in Sentences

Descriptive adjectives typically appear before the noun they modify (attributive position) or after a linking verb (predicative position).
  • Attributive: The blue sky, a delicious meal.
  • Predicative: The sky is blue. The meal tastes delicious.
Descriptive adjectives appear before the noun or after a linking verb.

Examples

AdjectiveNounExample (Attributive)Example (Predicative)
BeautifulHouseA beautiful houseThe house is beautiful
TallTreeA tall treeThe tree is tall
ExpensiveCarAn expensive carThe car is expensive
HappyChildA happy childThe child is happy
ColdWeatherCold weatherThe weather is cold
Beautiful, tall, and happy are descriptive adjectives.

Types of Descriptive Adjectives

Descriptive adjectives can describe various aspects, including:
  • Physical qualities: red, tall, smooth
  • Emotions or states: happy, sad, tired
  • Size: big, small, enormous
  • Shape: round, square, triangular
  • Color: blue, green, yellow
  • Origin: American, French, Japanese
  • Material: wooden, metal, plastic
Descriptive adjectives cover physical qualities, emotions, size, color, and more.
Descriptive adjectives are essential for creating vivid and precise descriptions in language. By modifying nouns and pronouns, they add depth and clarity to communication.
  • Descriptive adjectives provide details about qualities, quantities, or characteristics.
  • They can appear before a noun or after a linking verb.
  • Understanding descriptive adjectives enhances both writing and speaking skills.