ADJECTIVES
[Sidenote: _Office of Adjectives._]
139. Nouns are seldom used as names of objects without additional
words joined to them to add to their meaning. For example, if we wish
to speak of a friend's house, we cannot guide one to it by merely
calling it _a house_. We need to add some words to tell its color,
size, position, etc., if we are at a distance; and if we are near, we
need some word to point out the house we speak of, so that no other
will be mistaken for it. So with any object, or with persons.
As to the kind of words used, we may begin with the common adjectives
telling the _characteristics_ of an object. If a chemist discovers a
new substance, he cannot describe it to others without telling its
qualities: he will say it is _solid_, or _liquid_, or _gaseous_;
_heavy_ or _light_; _brittle_ or _tough_; _white_ or _red_; etc.
Again, in _pointing out_ an object, adjectives are used; such as in
the expressions "_this_ man," "_that_ house," "_yonder_ hill," etc.
Instead of using nouns indefinitely, the _number_ is limited by
adjectives; as, "_one_ hat," "_some_ cities," "_a hundred_ men."
The office of an adjective, then, is to narrow down or limit the
application of a noun. It may have this office alone, or it may at the
same time add to the meaning of the noun.
[Sidenote: _Substantives._]
140. Nouns are not, however, the only words limited by adjectives:
pronouns and other words and expressions also have adjectives joined
to them. Any word or word group that performs the same office as a
noun may be modified by adjectives.
To make this clear, notice the following sentences:--
[Sidenote: _Pronoun._]
If _he_ be _thankful_ for small benefits, it shows that he weighs
men's minds, and their trash.--BACON.
[Sidenote: _Infinitives._]
_To err_ is _human_; _to forgive, divine_.--POPE.
With exception of the "and then," the "and there," and the still
less _significant_ "_and so_," they constitute all his
connections.--COLERIDGE.
[Sidenote: _Definition._]
141. An adjective is a word joined to a noun or other substantive
word or expression, to describe it or to limit its application.
[Sidenote: _Classes of adjectives._]
142. Adjectives are divided into four classes:--
(1) Descriptive adjectives, which describe by expressing qualities
or attributes of a substantive.
(2) Adjectives of quantity, used to tell how many things are spoken
of, or how much of a thing.
(3) Demonstrative adjectives, pointing out particular things.
(4) Pronominal adjectives, words primarily pronouns, but used
adjectively sometimes in modifying nouns instead of standing for them.
They include relative and interrogative words.
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