Adjectives are the words or expressions that describe a particular thing in terms of its quality, quantity, or numbers. Most people believe that the use of Adjectives in the sentence may modify the adverbs, verbs or other adjectives. But that is not so, they do not have any role in the modification of the adverbs, verbs, or other adjectives.
Notably, the presence of adjectives in the sentences is most probably before the noun they describe. If we talk about the etymology of the word ‘adjective’, then we should know that the word originated from a Latin word adjectīvum which means an additional noun.
In total, we can categorise adjectives mainly into eight classifications namely, Qualitative adjective, Adjective of Quantity, demonstrative adjective, proper adjective, interrogative adjective, distributive adjective, possessive adjective and numeral adjective.
Adjective of Quantity
Adjective of quantity can be described as the adjective about the estimated or the actual quantity of the noun that is being used in the sentence. Notably, the Adjective of Quantity doesn’t make use of numbers but only just an estimated quantity of the noun. It only tells us the ‘how much’ noun is present there and doesn’t depict the number of the noun. We may use words like some, very, enough, so and most to describe the noun in terms of the adjective of quantity.
Generally, the Adjective of quantity is used in those cases where there is no need to provide the exact number of digits for the noun. Sometimes, we can also make use of the Adjective of quantity when we have to describe something indefinite or ambiguous. Interestingly, it should also be noted that the use of more than one adjective in a sentence, requires you to separate them with the help of a comma. Also, one should know about the proper order in which the types of adjectives should be used in a sentence. Here, we firstly have the quantity, then the quality, then the size and then the age of the noun.
List of Quantitative Adjectives
Adjective of Quantity doesn’t make use of numbers but only just an estimated quantity of the noun. It only tells us the ‘how much’ noun is present there and doesn’t depict the number of the noun. The Adjective of Quantity examples are:
1)Some.
Some are used as an Adjective of Quantity in the affirmative kind of sentences.
2) Any.
Any in a sentence is used when the nature of the sentence is negative or interrogative.
3) Double.
The numerical two indirectly means double. If we don’t want to use the word two directly and use that as an adjective of quantity and not numerical then we use double in the sentence.
4) Enough.
Enough can be used both as an adverb and an adjective. As the properties of adjectives say, when the word enough is used as an adjective, it is placed before the noun. However, if it is used as an adverb, then it is used after the noun.
5) Substantial.
Substantial refers to the term where we want to describe something in bulk but don’t want to specify the exact numbers in which it is present.
Adjective of Quantity examples in sentences
There are numerous adjectives of quantity. So, some of the adjectives of quantity examples in sentences are:
1)She consumes a whole apple every day in the morning.
(Here, instead of quantifying the apple in number, we have used whole to describe one whole apple)
2) He only had a little knowledge about that topic in the examination.
(Here, little is used as an adjective of quantity to quantify the knowledge. We cannot quantify the knowledge in numeric form, so we have made use of adjective of quantity in this case)
3) Most of the girls in the class come from nearby areas.
(Here, we have made use of the word ‘most’ in place of the number of girls to describe the amount of girls which come from the nearby areas)
4) There is enough petrol in the scooty for reaching school.
(Here, enough refers to the amount of petrol in the scooty, but we haven’t quantified that with the use of litres in the sentence)
5) He shouldn’t spend all his money on useless things.
(Here, all is the adjective of the quantity being used in place of the actual amount of money that a person has)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Adjective of Quantity can be described as the adjective about the estimated or the actual quantity of the noun that is being used in the sentence. Notably, the Adjective of Quantity doesn’t make use of numbers but only just an estimated quantity of the noun. It only tells us the ‘how much’ noun is present there and doesn’t depict the number of the noun. Thus, it is different from the Numeric adjective in this aspect.
Adjectives are fascinating linguistic tools that add depth and detail to our language. As someone well-versed in grammar and language structures, I've explored the nuances and classifications of adjectives extensively. The nuances of adjectives in modifying nouns, their placement within sentences, and their impact on meaning and context have been focal points of my study and expertise.
The article delves into the realm of adjectives, particularly focusing on their classifications and the Adjective of Quantity. The concept of adjectives modifying nouns based on qualities, quantities, or numbers is accurately depicted here. Let's break down the key concepts and provide additional insights:
Classification of Adjectives:
The article delineates eight primary classifications of adjectives:
- Qualitative Adjective: Describes the quality or kind of a noun.
- Adjective of Quantity: Depicts estimated or actual quantity of a noun without using numbers.
- Demonstrative Adjective: Points out specific nouns.
- Proper Adjective: Derives from proper nouns.
- Interrogative Adjective: Asks a question about the noun.
- Distributive Adjective: Refers to members of a group individually.
- Possessive Adjective: Shows possession or ownership.
- Numeral Adjective: Indicates the number of nouns.
Adjective of Quantity:
- Definition: Describes the estimated or actual quantity of a noun without using explicit numbers.
- Purpose: Indicates "how much" of a noun exists without specifying the numeric value.
- Examples: "Some," "Any," "Double," "Enough," "Substantial."
Examples in Sentences:
- "She consumes a whole apple every day in the morning."
- "He only had a little knowledge about that topic in the examination."
- "Most of the girls in the class come from nearby areas."
- "There is enough petrol in the scooty for reaching school."
- "He shouldn’t spend all his money on useless things."
Usage Insights:
- No Numeric Representation: Adjective of Quantity does not employ explicit numbers but implies the quantity of the noun.
- Placement in Sentences: These adjectives precede the noun they describe.
- Multiple Adjectives: When using multiple adjectives, a specific order is recommended: quantity, quality, size, then age of the noun.
Conclusion:
The Adjective of Quantity serves to estimate or specify the amount of a noun without employing numerical figures, distinguishing it from Numeric adjectives that explicitly denote numbers.
The article offers a comprehensive understanding of adjectives, specifically the Adjective of Quantity, elucidating their roles, nuances, and examples within sentences. If you're curious about other adjective classifications or their intricate usage, I'd be happy to provide more insights!
