Adjectives and Adverbs
English language users love to add layers of descriptions. Think about the last time you ate something truly delicious. How many words could you use to describe it that don't use the name of the food at all? You can start simply, with sweet, salty, hot, or cold. But that's not enough, is it? How about delectable, tender, wholesome, flavorful, or pungent? What about describing how you ate it? We could use heartily, greedily, or carefully. We could also mention how it was prepared: freshly, skillfully, or healthily. We could go on and on. Using adjectives and adverbs adds information and interest to a text. Using these words correctly is important for a message to be easy for a reader to understand and visualize. Read these sections on using descriptive words correctly.
Adjectives
Types of Adjectives
Comparatives and superlatives are types of adjectives, but one (comparatives) provides a relative distinction while the other (superlatives) signifies the most extreme.
Comparative adjectives often end in er, and superlative adjectives often end in est.
Comparative:
My World of Warcraft mage is tougher than your character.
Superlative:
My World of Warcraft mage is the toughest character ever.
There are also some adjectives that are irregular when you turn them into the comparative and superlative, and some, usually adjectives with two syllables, require that you simply add more or most in front of them.
The following examples are of some regular and some irregular adjectives.
kind
strong
good
bad
careful
awesome
kinder
stronger
better
worse
more careful
more awesome
kindest
strongest
best
worst
most careful
most awesome (as in
This is the most
awesome OWL ever!)