🎨 Adjectives
Using Adjectives to describe nouns.
Adjectives - Part 1
Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. They tell us more about the qualities, quantities, or characteristics of the thing they describe. For example, in the sentence "The soil is fertile" (मिट्टी उपजाऊ है), the word fertile is an adjective describing the noun "soil."
Position of Adjectives
Adjectives can be placed in two positions within a sentence:
1. Before a Noun (Attributive Position)
When an adjective comes before the noun it modifies, it is in the attributive position. This is the most common placement.
- A golden crop (एक सुनहरी फसल) — golden is the adjective, crop is the noun
- Our village (हमारा गाँव) — our is the adjective, village is the noun
- A circular threshing floor (एक गोलाकार खलिहान) — circular is the adjective, threshing floor is the noun
2. After a Verb (Predicative Position)
When an adjective comes after a linking verb (such as is, are, was, were), it is in the predicative position.
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Adjectives - Part 1
Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. They tell us more about the qualities, quantities, or characteristics of the thing they describe. For example, in the sentence "The soil is fertile" (मिट्टी उपजाऊ है), the word fertile is an adjective describing the noun "soil."
Position of Adjectives
Adjectives can be placed in two positions within a sentence:
1. Before a Noun (Attributive Position)
When an adjective comes before the noun it modifies, it is in the attributive position. This is the most common placement.
- A golden crop (एक सुनहरी फसल) — golden is the adjective, crop is the noun
- Our village (हमारा गाँव) — our is the adjective, village is the noun
- A circular threshing floor (एक गोलाकार खलिहान) — circular is the adjective, threshing floor is the noun
2. After a Verb (Predicative Position)
When an adjective comes after a linking verb (such as is, are, was, were), it is in the predicative position.
- This wheat is golden. (यह गेहूँ सुनहरा है।) — golden describes wheat after the verb is
Types of Adjectives
There are many types of adjectives in English. Understanding each type helps you use them correctly and makes your writing more precise.
1. Proper Adjective
A proper adjective is derived from a proper noun (a specific name of a person, place, or thing). Proper adjectives are always capitalized.
| Proper Noun | Proper Adjective |
|---|---|
| India | Indian |
| Italy | Italian |
| France | French |
| Japan | Japanese |
| Nehru | Nehruvian |
Examples in sentences:
- Indian bajra — 'Indian' is derived from the proper noun India
- We appreciated the French agricultural methods at the expo. — derived from France
- The Japanese cooperative farming model is studied worldwide. — derived from Japan
- Nehruvian economic policies laid the foundation for India's rural banking. — derived from Nehru
2. Distributive Adjective
Distributive adjectives refer to individual members of a group, distributing attention to each one separately. They are always followed by singular nouns and verbs.
| Word | Hindi Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Each | हर एक, प्रत्येक | Every single one individually |
| Every | हर | All members of a group |
| Either | दो में से एक | One or the other (of two) |
| Neither | दो में से कोई नहीं | Not one and not the other (of two) |
Key Rule: These words always take singular verbs (is/has/V + s/es).
Examples as Adjectives (before singular nouns):
- Each farmer received a soil health card.
- Every IBPS aspirant received a hall ticket for his/her exam.
- Neither canal was functional after the dam breach.
- She chose either route to reach the block office.
Examples as Pronouns (followed by "of the + plural noun"):
- Each of the villagers has a Kisan Credit Card.
- Either of the two officers is qualified.
- Neither of the candidates has submitted the form.
Important: Even when followed by a plural noun in a prepositional phrase, the verb remains singular because the subject is the distributive word itself.
3. Demonstrative Adjective
Demonstrative adjectives point out or identify a particular noun. The word "demonstrate" means to point or show, which is exactly what these adjectives do.
Definite Demonstrative Adjectives
These point to specific things:
| Word | Hindi | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| This | यह | Singular, near |
| That | वह | Singular, far |
| These | ये सब | Plural, near |
| Those | वे सब | Plural, far |
| Such | ऐसा | Quality |
| Same | वही | Identity |
Examples:
- This dal is cooked with mustard seeds. (यह दाल सरसों के तेल में बनी है।)
- I want to buy that buffalo from the fair.
- These roti are freshly made.
- Can you pass me those files from the shelf?
Indefinite Demonstrative Adjectives
These refer to unspecified things: some, any, none, other, another, any other, etc.
Examples:
- I need some guidance on the NABARD application form.
- Do you have any suggestions for the crop rotation schedule?
- None of the trainees answered the question correctly.
- Is there any fertiliser left in the warehouse?
Note: Be careful not to confuse demonstrative adjectives with demonstrative pronouns. When this/that stands alone without a noun, it is a pronoun: "This is my land" (pronoun). When it modifies a noun, it is an adjective: "This land is mine" (adjective).
4. Possessive Adjective
Possessive adjectives show ownership, possession (हक), or belongingness. They always come before a noun.
| Hindi | English |
|---|---|
| मेरा | my |
| तुम्हारा | your |
| हमारा | our |
| उसका (feminine) | her |
| उसका (masculine) | his |
| उनका | their |
| उसका (neutral) | its |
Examples:
- Her application for the RRB-SO post was approved.
- Our village cooperative has thirty members.
- My Kisan Credit Card limit has been revised.
Important: Don't confuse possessive adjectives with possessive pronouns. Possessive adjectives modify nouns (my land), while possessive pronouns stand alone (The land is mine).
| Possessive Adjective | Possessive Pronoun |
|---|---|
| my | mine |
| your | yours |
| our | ours |
| her | hers |
| his | his |
| their | theirs |
5. Qualitative Adjective
Qualitative adjectives describe the quality or characteristic of a noun — what kind of thing it is.
Examples: fertile, barren, hardworking, dedicated, brave, honest, efficient
Two Ways to Use Qualitative Adjectives
(i) Attributive Use — The adjective comes before the noun:
- This is a fertile delta.
- He is a hardworking cooperative officer.
(ii) Predicative Use — The adjective comes after a linking verb:
- This delta is fertile.
- The cooperative officer is hardworking.
6. Numeral Adjective
Numeral adjectives indicate the number or order of nouns. They answer questions like "How many?" or "In what order?"
Ordinal (Order/Position)
Specifies rank or position in a sequence: first, second, third, etc.
Cardinal (Quantity)
Specifies the exact number: one, two, three, etc.
Examples in sentences:
- The three canals are functional. (Cardinal)
- The first two canals are functional. (Ordinal + Cardinal)
- The last two canals need repair. (Ordinal + Cardinal)
7. Quantitative Adjective
Quantitative adjectives describe how much or how many of something there is. They are used with both countable and uncountable nouns.
Little, A Little, The Little (Uncountable Nouns)
| Word | Meaning | Connotation |
|---|---|---|
| Little | ना के बराबर (hardly any) | Negative (-ve) |
| A little | थोड़ा सा (some) | Positive (+ve) |
| The little | जितना है उतना (all that exists) | Neutral |
Examples:
- The farmers are worried because there is little rain this season. (negative — almost none)
- Thank goodness, there was a little rain before the sowing season. (positive — enough to help)
- The little water that remained in the pond was shared carefully. (neutral — all that exists)
Few, A Few, The Few (Countable Nouns)
| Word | Meaning | Connotation |
|---|---|---|
| Few | ना के बराबर (hardly any) | Negative (-ve) |
| A few | थोड़े से (some) | Positive (+ve) |
| The few | जितने हैं उतने (all that exist) | Neutral |
Examples:
- The exam was tough; few candidates cleared the cut-off. (negative — very few)
- The exam was tough, but a few candidates cleared the cut-off. (positive — some managed)
- The few candidates who cleared the cut-off will get interview calls. (neutral — all who cleared)
Some vs. Any
Both some and any mean "थोड़ा सा" (a little/a few), but they are used in different sentence types:
| Word | Used In | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Some | Affirmative sentences | Some farmers are waiting at the block office. |
| Any | Negative & Interrogative sentences | There aren't any officers at the counter. / Are there any seats available? |
Exception: Use some in questions when offering something: "Would you like some dal?"
8. Interrogative Adjective
Interrogative adjectives are used to ask questions. They come before nouns.
Examples:
- Whose land is registered under PM Kisan?
- How much bajra do you want from the warehouse?
- How many farmers attended the soil health camp?
- Which route leads to the nearest bank branch?
9. Emphatic Adjective
Emphatic adjectives are used to emphasize or give special focus to a noun. The most common emphatic adjectives are very and own.
Examples:
- She is the girl who topped the IBPS exam. → She is the very girl who topped the IBPS exam. (emphasizes this specific girl)
- This is my farm. → This is my own farm. (emphasizes personal ownership)
10. Exclamatory Adjective
Exclamatory adjectives express strong emotions such as surprise, joy, or admiration. They are used in exclamatory sentences.
Examples:
- What a bountiful harvest this year!
- How dedicated these NABARD officers are!
Degrees of Adjectives
Adjectives have three degrees of comparison that show how things compare to each other:
| Degree | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Describes one thing | fertile, hardworking, fast |
| Comparative | Compares two things | more fertile, more hardworking, faster |
| Superlative | Compares three or more | most fertile, most hardworking, fastest |
| Adjective | Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fertile | fertile | more fertile | most fertile |
| Fast | fast | faster | fastest |
| Hard | hard | harder | hardest |
| Efficient | efficient | more efficient | most efficient |
Positive Degree
The positive degree describes a single noun without comparison, or shows equality between two things.
Structures:
- as...as (used in both positive and negative sentences)
- so...as (used only in negative sentences)
Examples:
- Punjab is as prosperous as Haryana. ✓
- Punjab is not as prosperous as Haryana. ✓
- Punjab is not so prosperous as Haryana. ✓
Punjab is so prosperous as Haryana.✗ (Incorrect)
Comparative Degree
The comparative degree is used to compare two things. It typically uses the word "than".
Examples:
- Alluvial soil is more fertile than black soil for wheat.
- The Ganga river is longer than the Yamuna.
Special Concept: "The Better of the Two"
When comparing exactly two items, use "the" with the comparative form:
- Lucknow is the better of the two cities for IBPS coaching.
Words That Use "To" Instead of "Than"
Some comparative words use "to" instead of "than":
- prefer — I prefer roti to bread.
- senior — She is senior to me in the department.
- junior — He is junior to the branch manager.
- inferior — This seed variety is inferior to that one.
- superior — Organic farming is superior to chemical-heavy methods.
- elder — He is elder to me in the family.
- prior — This meeting is prior to the site visit.
- anterior / posterior — medical/positional terms
Comparing Same Attributes
When comparing the same attribute of different things, make sure your sentence is parallel and clear.
Incorrect:
The rainfall in Odisha is higher than Punjab.(compares rainfall to a state)
Correct:
- The rainfall in Odisha is higher than that of Punjab.
- The rainfall in Odisha is higher than the rainfall of Punjab.
- The rainfall in Odisha is higher than Punjab's rainfall.
- The rainfall in Odisha is higher than Punjab's.
Key Takeaways
- Adjectives describe nouns and pronouns
- They can appear before nouns (attributive) or after linking verbs (predicative)
- There are 10 main types of adjectives, each with specific uses
- Distributive adjectives (each, every, either, neither) always take singular verbs
- Know the difference between possessive adjectives (my, your) and possessive pronouns (mine, yours)
- Little/few have three forms with different connotations (negative, positive, neutral)
- Adjectives have three degrees: positive, comparative, and superlative
- Some comparisons use "to" instead of "than" (prefer, senior, junior, etc.)
Degrees of Comparison (Review)
Every adjective has three forms called degrees of comparison:
| Degree | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Describes one thing | productive |
| Comparative | Compares two things | more productive |
| Superlative | Compares three or more | most productive |
1. Positive Degree
The positive degree is the base form of an adjective. It describes a quality without making any comparison.
Example:
- This district is productive. (यह जिला उत्पादक है।)
Note: The positive degree simply states a quality — it doesn't say the district is more or most productive compared to anything else.
2. Comparative Degree
The comparative degree is used when comparing two things. It typically uses "than" or special forms like "to" for certain adjectives.
Examples:
- Hybrid seeds are superior to traditional varieties for yield. (संकर बीज पारंपरिक किस्मों से बेहतर हैं।)
- The Rajdhani Express is faster than the Passenger train.
Special Comparatives with "To" (Not "Than")
Some adjectives use "to" instead of "than":
| Adjective | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| superior | superior to |
| inferior | inferior to |
| senior | senior to |
| junior | junior to |
| prefer | prefer to |
| preferable | preferable to |
Example:
- ❌ Drip irrigation is often more preferable than flood irrigation for water conservation.
- ✅ Drip irrigation is often preferable to flood irrigation for water conservation.
3. Superlative Degree
The superlative degree is used when comparing three or more things. It identifies the highest or lowest degree of a quality.
Key features:
- Uses "the" before the adjective
- Uses "-est" or "most" depending on the adjective
Examples:
- She is the best agriculture officer in the district.
- The Ganga is the longest river in India.
- Kanha National Park is the most beautiful wildlife reserve I have ever visited.
Important Rule: Comparing Two vs. More Than Two
When comparing exactly two items, use the comparative degree (with "the"), not the superlative.
| Comparing | Correct Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Two items | the + comparative | She is the better of the two NABARD officers. |
| Three+ items | the + superlative | She is the best of all NABARD officers. |
Common Mistake:
- ❌ She is the best of the two officers.
- ✅ She is the better of the two officers.
Absolute Adjectives (No Comparison Allowed)
Some adjectives describe qualities that are absolute — they cannot be compared because they are already at their maximum or are binary (yes/no). Adding "more" or "most" to these adjectives is incorrect.
List of Absolute Adjectives
| Category | Adjectives |
|---|---|
| Completeness | complete, perfect, absolute, entire, whole, full |
| Uniqueness | unique, ideal, universal, extreme |
| Shape | round, square |
| Right/Wrong | right, wrong |
| State | dead, blind, dumb, impossible, invincible |
| Quality | excellent, major, minor |
| Position | exterior, interior, ulterior |
| Preference | preferable |
Incorrect (Superfluous) Usage:
- ❌ more unique / most unique
- ❌ most perfect
- ❌ more complete
Correct Usage:
- ✅ unique (not "more unique")
- ✅ perfect (not "most perfect")
Sentence Examples:
- ❌ Finding the most ideal solution for soil degradation is a challenge.
- ✅ Finding an ideal solution for soil degradation is a challenge.
- ❌ The Ganga is often seen as the most universal river of India.
- ✅ The Ganga is often seen as a universal symbol of India.
Using Comparative Words: Comparatively, Relatively, Preferably
When using comparatively, relatively, or preferably, always use the positive degree of the adjective. Avoid using the comparative degree (words ending in "-er" or "more").
| Word | Meaning | Correct Example |
|---|---|---|
| Comparatively | In comparison to something else | The new irrigation method is comparatively efficient. |
| Relatively | Compared to a general standard | Bihar's wheat yield is relatively high this season. |
| Preferably | Indicating preference | I would preferably choose a quiet posting. |
Sentence Examples:
-
❌ The new drip irrigation method is comparatively better than the old flood system.
-
✅ The new drip irrigation method is comparatively good.
-
❌ The Yamuna at Agra is relatively wider than the stretch near Delhi.
-
✅ The Yamuna at Agra is relatively wide.
-
❌ In terms of workload, this posting is relatively lighter.
-
✅ In terms of workload, this posting is relatively light.
-
❌ I'd preferably choose a quieter district for my rural assignment.
-
✅ I'd preferably choose a quiet district for my rural assignment.
Using "Too"
The word "too" is an adverb that modifies an adjective. It indicates excess — something beyond a desirable limit.
Structure: Too... To vs So... That
These two structures are often confused but have distinct grammar patterns.
| Structure | Hindi Meaning | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Too... to | इतना... कि नहीं | Negative implication (implies "cannot") | The sun is too harsh to work in. (so harsh one cannot work) |
| So... that | इतना... कि | Result/Consequence (often explicitly states "cannot") | The sun is so harsh that farmers cannot work at noon. |
Common Mistakes (Mixing the structures):
-
❌ The river was too flooded that the bridge was closed.
-
✅ The river was so flooded that the bridge was closed.
-
✅ The river was too flooded for anyone to cross.
-
❌ The IBPS paper was too difficult that I could not finish.
-
✅ The IBPS paper was so difficult that I could not finish.
-
✅ The IBPS paper was too difficult for me to finish.
Structure: Too Much + Noun
Use "too much" before uncountable nouns:
- There is too much urea in the field.
- There is too much noise at the grain market.
Structure: Much Too + Adjective
For emphasis, use "much too" before an adjective:
- The heat was much too intense for outdoor work.
- The application form was much too long to fill in one sitting.
Using "Enough"
The word "enough" indicates sufficiency — having the right amount.
Adjective + Enough
Place "enough" after the adjective:
- The well is deep enough to irrigate three acres.
- The weather is cool enough to begin the rabi sowing.
Enough + Noun
Place "enough" before the noun:
- I don't have enough time to revise all the chapters.
- There isn't enough water in the reservoir for the summer.
Memory Trick (Alphabetical Order): Remember the order A — E — N.
- Adjective comes before Enough. (e.g., Deep Enough)
- Enough comes before Noun. (e.g., Enough Water)
Adjectives Joined by "And"
When two adjectives are connected by "and" in a comparison, both must use the same degree of comparison.
Correct Examples:
- The bajra crop is
tallertall and more robust this year. - His explanation of the NABARD scheme was clearer and
more preciseprecise. - It was the
coldcoldest and driest summer in the district.
Adjectives with Different Prepositions
When adjectives require different prepositions, include both prepositions separately:
Examples:
- She is proud of, but not dependent on, her crop income.
- The district collector is known for, but not accustomed to, rural postings.
- He is interested in, yet hesitant about, applying for the NABARD officer role.
Comparing Two Qualities of the Same Subject
When comparing two different qualities of the same person or thing, use "more + positive degree" (not the comparative form).
Incorrect:
- ❌ The Ganga is wider than deep at Varanasi.
- ❌ The IBPS aspirant is cleverer than consistent.
- ❌ The dal was thicker than spicy.
Correct:
- ✅ The Ganga is more wide than deep at Varanasi.
- ✅ The IBPS aspirant is more clever than consistent.
- ✅ The dal was more thick than spicy.
Avoiding Mixed Degrees
Don't mix different degrees of comparison in the same sentence.
Incorrect:
- ❌ Odisha is as rice-productive, if not more rice-productive than Punjab.
Correct:
- ✅ Odisha is as rice-productive as, if not more rice-productive than, Punjab.
Using "As...As" Structure
The structure "as + positive degree + as" is used for equal comparisons.
Examples:
- The Yamuna is as sacred as the Ganga in North India.
- This IBPS mock test is as challenging as the real exam.
Comparisons with Half, Twice, Thrice, Times
When using half, twice, thrice, or times before an adjective, use the positive degree with "as...as".
| Word | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Half | half as + adj + as | Bajra requires half as much water as sugarcane. |
| Twice | twice as + adj + as | The new pump works twice as fast as the old one. |
| Three times | three times as + adj + as | This field yields three times as much as last year. |
Common Mistakes:
- ❌ Bajra requires half less water than sugarcane.
- ❌ The new pump works twice faster than the old one.
Note: In modern English, "number + times" can also be used with the comparative: "He completed the field survey three times faster than expected."
Incorrect Use of "Equally"
The word "equally" should not be used with the "as...as" structure.
Incorrect:
- ❌ Wheat is equally as important as rice in India.
Correct:
- ✅ Wheat is as important as rice in India.
- ✅ Both crops are equally important for food security. (No "as...as" here)
Predicative-Only Adjectives
Some adjectives can only be used after a verb (predicative position), not before a noun (attributive position).
List of Predicative-Only Adjectives
a- words: alone, afraid, asleep, alike, afloat, akin, alive, ashamed, awake, aware
Other words: unable, ill, well, sure, worth, glad, upset
Correct Usage (After Verb):
- The old farmer felt alone after the harvest season ended.
- The goat appeared afraid of the approaching storm.
- The exhausted labourers were soon asleep under the neem tree.
- The two buffalo calves look alike.
Incorrect Usage (Before Noun):
- ❌ an alone farmer
- ❌ an afraid goat
- ❌ an asleep labourer
- ❌ an alike pair
Correct Alternatives:
- ✅ a lonely farmer
- ✅ a frightened goat
- ✅ a sleeping labourer
"Of the Two" Uses Comparative with "Of"
When comparing the two specific items, use the comparative degree with "of" (not "than").
Incorrect:
- ❌ The Ganga is the longer than the two rivers.
Correct:
- ✅ The Ganga is the longer of the two rivers.
- ✅ Wheat is the more nutritious of the two grains.
- ✅ The NABARD post is the more prestigious of the two options.
Noun + "ly" vs. Adjective + "ly"
Understanding word formation helps avoid errors. Not all words ending in -ly are adverbs!
| Source Word | + Suffix | Resulting Part of Speech | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noun | + ly | Adjective | farmer → no direct form; friend → friendly |
| Adjective | + ly | Adverb | slow → slowly, clear → clearly |
List of Adjectives Ending in "-ly" (Noun + ly)
These words are adjectives, NOT adverbs:
- Time: daily, weekly, monthly, yearly
- Behavior/Nature: friendly, manly, cowardly, miserly, niggardly, brotherly
Sentence Examples:
1. A friendly cooperative officer brightened the farmers' day.
- Here, friendly is an adjective modifying the noun officer. (friend + ly)
2. She greeted the new farmers friendly. ❌
- This is incorrect because "greeted" is a verb, so it needs an adverb. "Friendly" is an adjective.
- Correct: She greeted the new farmers in a friendly manner. ✅
3. He acts miserly with the cooperative funds. ❌
- Correct: He acts in a miserly manner with the cooperative funds. ✅ (or "He is miserly")
Adjectives After Linking Verbs
Some adjectives are used after verbs rather than before nouns. These verbs often relate to perception or states of being: look, appear, seem, feel, be, become, get, taste, smell, sound, find, turn, keep, grow, make, prove.
Examples:
- The dal is aromatic. (Adjective "aromatic" follows the verb "is")
- The rotis look golden on the tawa.
- The freshly harvested rice smelled wonderful in the storehouse.
- The sugarcane tasted sweet after the first rains.
Important: Don't confuse adjectives with adverbs. Adjectives describe nouns/pronouns, while adverbs describe verbs.
- The farmer ploughed steadily. (Adverb modifying the verb)
- The dal smelled wonderful. (Adjective describing the dal)
"The + Adjective" as a Plural Noun
When "the" is placed before an adjective, it functions as a plural common noun referring to a group of people. Therefore, use a plural verb.
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The poor | Poor people |
| The rich | Rich people |
| The elderly | Elderly people |
| The homeless | Homeless people |
| The brave | Brave people |
Examples:
- The poor in rural Bihar depend heavily on MGNREGS work.
- The elderly in our village often advise younger farmers on rain patterns.
- The brave who serve in difficult postings deserve recognition.
Structure: The + Adjective + Plural Verb
Order of Adjectives (OSASCOMP)
When multiple adjectives describe a noun, they follow a specific order. Remember the acronym O-S-A-S-C-O-M-P:
| Letter | Category | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| O | Opinion | fertile, magnificent, ugly |
| S | Size | small, large, tiny |
| A | Age | old, young, ancient |
| S | Shape | round, flat, square |
| C | Colour | golden, green, brown |
| O | Origin | Indian, Bengali, Punjabi |
| M | Material | wooden, clay, iron |
| P | Purpose | storage, irrigation, threshing |
Example:
- A magnificent large ancient round golden Indian clay storage pot.
- Order: Opinion → Size → Age → Shape → Colour → Origin → Material → Purpose
Nouns as Adjectives (Singular Form)
When a noun functions as an adjective, it typically stays singular even when describing plural things.
Examples:
-
❌ Her fields survey is complete.
-
✅ Her field survey is complete.
-
❌ The villages road is damaged.
-
✅ The village road is damaged.
-
❌ The crops yield report is ready.
-
✅ The crop yield report is ready.
Possessive Adjectives with "All" and "Both"
Possessive adjectives (my, your, his, her, our, their) come after "all" and "both," not before.
Correct Structure:
- All + Possessive Adjective + Noun
- Both + Possessive Adjective + Noun
Examples:
-
❌ My all relatives attended the harvest celebration.
-
✅ All my relatives attended the harvest celebration.
-
❌ Her all efforts in the NABARD exam paid off.
-
✅ All her efforts in the NABARD exam paid off.
-
❌ His both parents are agriculture extension officers.
-
✅ Both his parents are agriculture extension officers.
Times and Comparison
With times (twice, three times, etc.), use the positive degree with "as...as", not the comparative degree.
Incorrect:
- ❌ This year's wheat crop is three times larger than last year's.
- ❌ The new tractor is five times faster than the old bullock cart.
Correct:
- ✅ This year's wheat crop is three times as large as last year's.
- ✅ The new tractor is five times as fast as the old bullock cart.
Special Adjectives: Ill, Older/Elder, Further/Farther
"Ill" Before vs. After a Noun
| Position | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Before noun | Bad | The farmer had an ill feeling about the drought forecast. |
| After verb | Sick | The buffalo fell ill after drinking stagnant water. |
"Older" vs. "Elder"
| Word | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Older | Age comparison with "than" | This well is older than the one near the temple. |
| Elder | Seniority in family relations | He is the elder of the two brothers who farm together. |
"Further" vs. "Farther"
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Further | Additional | Please provide further details about the crop damage. |
| Farther | Physical distance | The canal extends no farther than the eastern boundary. |
"Later" vs. "Latter"
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Later | Subsequent time | The IBPS results will be declared later this month. |
| Latter | Second of two mentioned | Between wheat and rice, I prefer the latter. |
"Last" vs. "Latest"
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Last | Previous one | I met the NABARD officer last Tuesday. |
| Latest | Most recent/newest | Have you read the latest RBI circular? |
"Nearest" vs. "Next"
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest | Closest in distance | The nearest primary cooperative society is two km away. |
| Next | Following in order/time | I plan to apply in the next IBPS cycle. |
Each vs. Every
Rule: Don't use "each" after almost, nearly, practically, without exception. Use "every" instead.
Incorrect:
- ❌ Almost each farmer registered under PM Kisan.
- ❌ Without exception each aspirant cleared the prelims.
Correct:
- ✅ Almost every farmer registered under PM Kisan.
- ✅ Without exception every aspirant cleared the prelims.
Other vs. Another
| Word | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Different one in same group | I have two fields. One grows wheat, and the other grows rice. |
| Another | Additional/different one | I finished one IBPS mock test; now I need to start another. |
Important: Use a determiner (the, a, an) before "other" when it's an adjective:
- ❌ I prefer this variety over other variety.
- ✅ I prefer this variety over the other variety.
Few/Little with Quantity/Number
Don't use "few" or "little" with the words quantity and number. Use small instead.
- ❌ Little quantity of dal is left in the store.
- ✅ Small quantity of dal is left in the store.
- ❌ She chose one crop over other crops.
- ✅ She chose one crop over the other crops.
Much vs. Many
| Word | Used With | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Much | Uncountable nouns | There is much silt in the river after the flood. |
| Many | Countable nouns | There are many cooperative societies in Maharashtra. |
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Concept / Topic | Key Details / Explanation |
|---|---|
| Definition | Adjective describes/modifies a noun or pronoun |
| Positions | Attributive (before noun: "a fertile field"); Predicative (after linking verb: "the field is fertile") |
| 10 Types | Proper, Distributive, Demonstrative, Possessive, Qualitative, Numeral, Quantitative, Interrogative, Emphatic, Exclamatory |
| Distributive Adjectives | Each, Every, Either, Neither — always take singular noun + singular verb |
| Each vs Every | After almost/nearly/practically, use every (not each): "Almost every farmer enrolled" |
| Possessive Adj vs Pronoun | my/your/our/her/his/their = adjectives (before noun); mine/yours/ours/hers/his/theirs = pronouns (stand alone) |
| All/Both + Possessive | All my friends (not "My all friends"); Both his fields (not "His both fields") |
| Little/A little/The little | Little = negative (hardly any); A little = positive (some); The little = all that exists |
| Few/A few/The few | Few = negative; A few = positive; The few = all that exist (for countable nouns) |
| Few/Little with quantity | Do NOT say "little quantity" — say small quantity / small number |
| Some vs Any | Some in affirmative; Any in negative/interrogative. Exception: "Would you like some dal?" (offer) |
| Three Degrees | Positive (base), Comparative (two things, uses "than"), Superlative (three+, uses "the") |
| "To" instead of "Than" | superior, inferior, senior, junior, prefer, preferable, elder, prior — all use to |
| Two items → comparative | "She is the better of the two" (NOT "the best of the two") |
| Two qualities, same subject | Use more + positive: "The field is more wide than deep" (NOT "wider than deep") |
| Absolute Adjectives | Cannot be compared: unique, perfect, complete, ideal, universal, round, dead, blind, excellent — no "more/most" |
| Comparatively/Relatively | Must follow with positive degree: "comparatively efficient" (NOT "comparatively more efficient") |
| Too...to vs So...that | Too + adj + to (excess/inability); So + adj + that (cause and result) — never mix connectors |
| Enough | Adjective + enough; enough + noun (A before E before N) |
| As...as vs So...as | As...as for positive/negative equality; So...as ONLY in negative sentences |
| Equally + as | "equally as important" is wrong → use "equally important" OR "as important as" |
| Half/Twice/Thrice + as...as | "twice as fast as" (NOT "twice faster than") |
| Predicative-only adjectives | alone, afraid, asleep, alike, afloat, alive, ashamed, awake, aware — NEVER before a noun |
| "Of the two" uses comparative | "Wheat is the more nutritious of the two grains" (uses of, not than) |
| Noun + ly = Adjective | friendly, manly, daily, weekly, brotherly = adjectives; cannot be used as adverbs |
| OSASCOMP order | Opinion → Size → Age → Shape → Colour → Origin → Material → Purpose |
| Noun as Adjective | Stays singular: "field survey" (not "fields survey"), "village road" (not "villages road") |
| The + Adjective | Functions as plural noun: "The poor are struggling" — always plural verb |
| Ill | Before noun = bad (ill omen); after verb = sick (fell ill) |
| Older vs Elder | Older with "than"; Elder for family seniority (no "than") |
| Further vs Farther | Further = additional; Farther = physical distance |
| Latter vs Later | Latter = second of two mentioned; Later = at a subsequent time |
Lesson Doubts
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