Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors
We use -ing adjectives to describe an effect and -ed adjectives to describe how a person feels:
That was such an interesting lecture. Prof. Green is such a good speaker.
Not: That was such an interested lecture.
I was not interested in the lecture.
Not: I was not interesting …
See also:
Adjectives: with -ing and -ed (interesting, interested)
We can’t use some -ed forms before a noun:
The new results are clear from the diagram shown.
Not: … from the shown diagram
See also:
Adjectives with nouns and verbs
Adjectives in English do not change (agree) with the noun that they modify:
The tropical birds were beautiful.
Not: The tropical birds were beautifuls.
See also:
Adjectives: forms
Some adjectives only appear before nouns and do not follow verbs. They include adjectives of degree, time and order, and adjectives that limit the noun that follows them:
The trip was a complete disaster from start to finish.
Not: The disaster was complete
His late wife Betty was related to my mother.
Not: His wife was late
The only person who can sort this out is Keith.
Not: The person was only
See also:
Adjectives with nouns and verbs
Take care to spell the suffix -ful with one l:
careful | carefull | helpful | helpfull | grateful | gratefull | wonderful | wonderfull | powerful | powerfull | beautiful | beautifull |
Other errors with common adjectives
Most people go to the popular tourist destinations.
Not: … the popular touristic destinations.
It can be fun to work with young children.
Not: … funny to work with … (fun means ‘enjoyable’, funny means that something makes you laugh or that it is strange)
I have a very stressful job.
Not: … a very stressing job.
We went to a nearby restaurant.
Not: … a near restaurant.
What are the necessary ingredients for this dish?
Not: … the needed ingredients …?
I noticed an open window.
Not: … an opened window
I was really surprised when I heard the news.
Not: I was really surprise …
We’re having a party on Friday. Everybody is welcome.
Not: Everybody is welcomed.
The younger generation often lack ambition.
Not: The young generation often lack ambition.
See also:
Actual
Fun or funny?
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