When Do We Use an Adjective

When do we use an adjective?  Does every noun need an adjective?  Do the adjectives tell us something we already know? – the hot flame  Are there too many adjectives?  Do the adjectives add something new to the noun that helps the reader to picture what is being written about?

 The swift, shiny, white, sleek car shot down the grey road.

 The jagged pieces of gleaming ice fell into the cold, blue water.  The new bike shone in the grey, dirty, dingy, dull shop window.

 The big plane took off and hurtled straight towards the hot sun.

 Jenny trailed her weary, tired hand in the wet stream and wondered about her future.

 The two boys stared at the broken, shattered, smashed window pane.

 The white clouds drifted across the sweltering sun.

 Tony picked up the orange orange and sniffed it.  Sally could feel the cold snow on her cool brow.

 The big giant lumbered down the dark lane towards the frightened children. Choosing Adjectives  List some possible adjectives to describe these nouns.  Choose carefully and write the most effective adjectives, not just the first one that comes into your mind! tree – tall, leafy, ancient, _____ car – sleek, shiny, ______, ______bike – wobbly, rusty, _____, ______cat - _____, _____, _____, _____ dog - _____, _____, _____, _____ house - _____, _____, _____, _____ clouds - _____, _____, _____, _____ street - _____, _____, _____, _____