This document discusses the different ways that adjectives can be used as nouns in the English language. It provides 3 main categories: 1) As plural nouns denoting classes of people, 2) As singular nouns denoting abstract qualities, and 3) Some adjectives that have become nouns used in both singular and plural forms, including those derived from proper nouns and denoting persons, things, or specific phrases. Examples are given for each category to illustrate how adjectives can take the role of nouns in sentences.
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Adjectives used as noun
1. Adjectives Used as Noun
Home 損 Grammar 損 adjectives as nouns
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1. As Plural Nouns denoting a class of persons; as,
o The cautious (= cautious persons) are not always cowards.
o The rich (= rich people) know not how the poor (= poor people) live.
o The wicked (= wicked people) flee when no man pursueth, but the righteous (= righteous
people) are bold as a lion.
o Blessed are the meek.
2. As Singular Nouns denoting some abstract quality; as,
o The future (= futurity) is unknown to us.
o He is a lover of the beautiful(=beauty in general)
3. Some Adjectives actually become Nouns, and are hence used in both numbers:-
1. Those derived from Proper Nouns; as, Australians, Canadians, Italians.-
2. Some denoting persons; as, juniors, seniors, mortals, inferiors, superiors, nobles,
criminals, savages, elders, minors.
3. A few denoting things generally; as. secrets, totals, liquids, solids, valuables. [Some
adjectives arc used as Nouns only in (he plural; as, valuables, eatables]
In certain phrases; as,
In general; in future; in short; in secret; before long; at present; for good; at best; through thick
and thin; for better or for worse; in black and white; right or wrong; from bad to worse; the long
and short.
o In future I shall charge you for medical advice.
o In short, we know nothing.
o The negotiations were carried on in secret.
o I shall see you before long.
o Before long, he will be appointed to a higher post.
o At present, he is in pecuniary difficulties.
o I do not want any more at present.
o He has left India for good.
o At best we shall get no more dividend than five paise in a rupee.
o At best he is a clever versifier : but a poet he is certainly not.
o It must be said to his credit that he stood by his friend through thick and thin.
o I must have your teams down in black and white.
o Right or wrong, my country.
o I am afraid the young man is going from bad to worse.
o The long and short of it is that I distrust you.
Nouns used as Adjectives
The use of Nouns as Adjectives is very common in English
example:
2. I met a little cottage girl.
He is always playing computer games.
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