Descriptive Adjectives in English: Rules, Examples, and Exercises

Descriptive adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns and pronouns by providing details about their qualities, characteristics, or attributes. These adjectives help create a clearer picture of a subject in both spoken and written language. In this article, we will explore what descriptive adjectives are, their rules, examples, common mistakes, and exercises to help you master their use.

1. What Are Descriptive Adjectives?

Descriptive adjectives are words that describe nouns by giving information about their size, shape, color, age, origin, material, quality, or other characteristics.

✅ Examples:

• The tall building dominates the skyline. (height)

• She wore a beautiful dress. (appearance)

• He owns a German car. (origin)

• We had a delicious meal. (taste)

Rule: Descriptive adjectives answer the question "What kind?" about a noun.

2. Rules for Using Descriptive Adjectives

A. Adjective Placement

In English, descriptive adjectives usually appear before the noun they modify.

✅ Example:

• She has a red bag. (correct)

• She has a bag red. (incorrect)

However, adjectives can also come after a linking verb (e.g., be, seem, look, feel).

✅ Example:

• The sky is blue.

B. Using Multiple Adjectives in the Correct Order

When using more than one adjective, they should follow this order:

Opinion → Size → Age → Shape → Color → Origin → Material → Purpose

✅ Example:

• A beautiful small old round wooden table. (correct order)

• A wooden round old small beautiful table. (incorrect order)

C. Comparative and Superlative Forms

Descriptive adjectives can be modified to show comparisons:

• Comparative: Adds -er or uses "more"
  ✅ Example: This book is thicker than that one.

• Superlative: Adds -est or uses "most"
  ✅ Example: This is the most delicious cake I have ever had.

3. Examples of Descriptive Adjectives

A. Adjectives Describing Physical Appearance

• A tall man

• A curly-haired woman

• A blue dress

B. Adjectives Describing Emotions and Feelings

• A happy child

• A nervous student

• A confident speaker

C. Adjectives Describing Condition or Quality

• A clean room

• A broken phone

• A strong wind

D. Adjectives Describing Taste, Smell, and Sound

• A bitter coffee

• A fragrant flower

• A loud noise

4. Common Mistakes:

Mistake 1: Incorrect Adjective Order

❌ Wrong: She has a French small old car.
✅ Correct: She has a small old French car.

Explanation: Size comes before age, and origin comes last.

Mistake 2: Using More with Short Adjectives

❌ Wrong: This shirt is more cheaper than that one.
✅ Correct: This shirt is cheaper than that one.

Explanation: Short adjectives (one syllable) use -er, not "more".

Mistake 3: Using Adjectives Instead of Adverbs

❌ Wrong: She sings beautiful.
✅ Correct: She sings beautifully.

Explanation: "Beautiful" is an adjective; we need an adverb (beautifully) to modify the verb "sings".

Mistake 4: Confusing Comparative and Superlative Forms

❌ Wrong: This is the more interesting book I have read.
✅ Correct: This is the most interesting book I have read.

Explanation: Use "most" for superlative, not "more".

5. Exercises:

Exercise 1: Identify the Descriptive Adjective

Find the descriptive adjective in each sentence.

1. The gigantic elephant moved slowly.

2. He wore a stylish jacket.

3. We visited an ancient castle.

4. She had a bright smile on her face.

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Adjective Order

Rearrange the adjectives in the correct order.

1. A (red / small / wooden) chair

2. An (old / Italian / wonderful) painting

3. A (comfortable / round / large) sofa

4. A (silk / blue / elegant) dress

Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes

Rewrite the sentences correctly.

1. This cake is more tastier than the other one.

2. He is the most fastest runner in the team.

3. I saw an old French beautiful house.

4. She has hair curly long.

Exercise 4: Fill in the Blank with a Descriptive Adjective

1. The ______ kitten was sleeping on the couch. (Choose: fluffy, old, noisy)

2. He wore a ______ suit to the wedding. (Choose: elegant, green, small)

3. We had a ______ view of the mountains. (Choose: stunning, broken, tiny)

4. She was feeling ______ after the long trip. (Choose: exhausted, shiny, pink)