In the fast-paced world of journalism, precision and clarity are paramount. Adjectives, often underestimated, play a crucial role in shaping the reader’s understanding and perception of a story.
Choosing the right adjective can transform a mundane sentence into a vivid description, adding depth and nuance to the narrative. This article provides a comprehensive guide to adjectives for journalists, covering their definition, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced applications.
Whether you’re a seasoned reporter or a budding journalist, mastering the art of using adjectives effectively will undoubtedly enhance your writing and storytelling abilities.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Adjectives
- Classification of Adjectives
- Function of Adjectives
- Contexts of Adjective Usage
- Structural Breakdown of Adjectives
- Position of Adjectives
- Order of Adjectives
- Types of Adjectives
- Descriptive Adjectives
- Quantitative Adjectives
- Demonstrative Adjectives
- Possessive Adjectives
- Interrogative Adjectives
- Proper Adjectives
- Compound Adjectives
- Examples of Adjectives in Journalistic Writing
- Descriptive Adjectives Examples
- Quantitative Adjectives Examples
- Demonstrative Adjectives Examples
- Possessive Adjectives Examples
- Interrogative Adjectives Examples
- Usage Rules for Adjectives
- Agreement with Nouns
- Comparative and Superlative Forms
- Use with Articles
- Exceptions to the Rules
- Common Mistakes with Adjectives
- Misplaced Adjectives
- Overuse of Adjectives
- Incorrect Forms of Adjectives
- Practice Exercises
- Exercise 1: Identifying Adjectives
- Exercise 2: Choosing the Right Adjective
- Exercise 3: Correcting Adjective Errors
- Advanced Topics in Adjective Usage
- Adjectives in Figurative Language
- Subjectivity and Objectivity
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Adjectives
An adjective is a word that modifies a noun or pronoun, providing additional information about its qualities, characteristics, or attributes. Adjectives answer questions like “What kind?”, “Which one?”, “How many?”, or “How much?” They enrich the descriptive power of language, allowing writers to paint vivid pictures and convey precise meanings.
In journalistic writing, the careful selection of adjectives can significantly impact the tone, accuracy, and persuasiveness of a news report.
Classification of Adjectives
Adjectives can be classified based on their function and the type of information they provide. Some common classifications include descriptive adjectives (e.g., beautiful, tall, interesting), quantitative adjectives (e.g., few, many, several), demonstrative adjectives (e.g., this, that, these, those), possessive adjectives (e.g., my, your, his, her, its, our, their), and interrogative adjectives (e.g., which, what, whose). Understanding these classifications helps journalists choose the most appropriate adjective for a given context.
Function of Adjectives
The primary function of an adjective is to modify or describe a noun or pronoun. This modification can involve specifying a quality (e.g., a brave firefighter), indicating quantity (e.g., three witnesses), or identifying a particular item (e.g., that car). By adding detail and specificity, adjectives help readers form a clearer and more complete understanding of the subject being discussed. In journalism, this function is critical for conveying accurate and impactful information.
Contexts of Adjective Usage
Adjectives are used in various contexts within journalistic writing. They can be used to describe people (e.g., a concerned citizen), places (e.g., a bustling city), events (e.g., a tragic accident), or objects (e.g., a damaged building). The specific context determines the most appropriate and effective adjectives to use. Journalists must carefully consider the connotations and implications of their word choices to ensure accuracy and avoid bias.
Structural Breakdown of Adjectives
Understanding the structural elements of adjectives is essential for using them correctly. This includes knowing where to place adjectives in a sentence and how to order them when multiple adjectives are used to modify the same noun.
Position of Adjectives
Adjectives typically appear before the noun they modify (e.g., a red car). However, they can also appear after linking verbs such as be, seem, appear, and become (e.g., The car is red). When used after linking verbs, adjectives are called predicate adjectives. In some cases, adjectives can also follow the noun for emphasis or stylistic effect (e.g., a sight unforgettable).
Order of Adjectives
When using multiple adjectives to describe a noun, there is a general order that is followed in English. This order is often remembered using the acronym OSASCOMP, which stands for Opinion, Size, Age, Shape, Color, Origin, Material, and Purpose. While this order is not always strictly followed, it provides a useful guideline for constructing grammatically correct and natural-sounding sentences. Deviations from this order can sometimes be acceptable for stylistic reasons, but it’s important to be aware of the general rule.
For example, consider the phrase “a beautiful large old round blue Italian leather dining table.” Here’s how it breaks down according to OSASCOMP:
- Opinion: beautiful
- Size: large
- Age: old
- Shape: round
- Color: blue
- Origin: Italian
- Material: leather
- Purpose: dining
Types of Adjectives
Adjectives come in various forms, each serving a specific purpose. Recognizing these types allows for more precise and effective communication.
Descriptive Adjectives
Descriptive adjectives describe the qualities or characteristics of a noun. They answer the question “What kind?” and provide details that help the reader visualize or understand the noun more clearly. Examples include beautiful, tall, intelligent, and delicious. These are perhaps the most commonly used adjectives in journalistic writing, as they help to paint a vivid picture for the reader.
Quantitative Adjectives
Quantitative adjectives indicate the quantity or amount of a noun. They answer the question “How many?” or “How much?” Examples include few, many, several, some, and all. These adjectives are crucial for providing specific numerical information or indicating the extent or scope of something.
Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives point out specific nouns. They answer the question “Which one?” or “Which ones?” The demonstrative adjectives are this, that, these, and those. This and these refer to things that are near in space or time, while that and those refer to things that are farther away.
Possessive Adjectives
Possessive adjectives show ownership or possession. They indicate who or what owns the noun. The possessive adjectives are my, your, his, her, its, our, and their. These adjectives are essential for indicating relationships and affiliations.
Interrogative Adjectives
Interrogative adjectives are used to ask questions about nouns. The interrogative adjectives are which, what, and whose. These adjectives are used to seek specific information about a noun’s identity or characteristics.
Proper Adjectives
Proper adjectives are formed from proper nouns and describe something associated with that noun. They are always capitalized. Examples include American (from America), Shakespearean (from Shakespeare), and Victorian (from Victoria). These adjectives add a specific cultural or historical context to the noun they modify.
Compound Adjectives
Compound adjectives are formed by combining two or more words, often with a hyphen. Examples include well-known, long-term, and state-of-the-art. These adjectives provide concise and descriptive information that would otherwise require multiple words to express.
Examples of Adjectives in Journalistic Writing
To illustrate the practical application of adjectives in journalism, let’s examine various examples categorized by adjective type.
Descriptive Adjectives Examples
Descriptive adjectives enhance the reader’s understanding by providing specific details about the subject. The following table provides examples of descriptive adjectives used in journalistic contexts.
| Sentence | Descriptive Adjective |
|---|---|
| The dilapidated building stood as a reminder of the city’s decline. | dilapidated |
| A courageous firefighter rescued the child from the burning house. | courageous |
| The vibrant colors of the sunset painted the sky. | vibrant |
| The talented musician captivated the audience with her performance. | talented |
| The controversial decision sparked widespread debate. | controversial |
| The innovative technology promised to revolutionize the industry. | innovative |
| The peaceful protest remained orderly despite the large crowd. | peaceful |
| The dedicated doctor worked tirelessly to save lives. | dedicated |
| The historic landmark attracted tourists from around the world. | historic |
| The delicious aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. | delicious |
| The mysterious disappearance baffled investigators. | mysterious |
| The resilient community rebuilt after the devastating earthquake. | resilient |
| The ambitious entrepreneur launched a successful startup. | ambitious |
| The elegant design of the new museum impressed visitors. | elegant |
| The articulate speaker delivered a powerful message. | articulate |
| The sensitive reporter handled the delicate story with care. | sensitive |
| The competent lawyer won the difficult case. | competent |
| The optimistic outlook for the future inspired hope. | optimistic |
| The ruthless dictator oppressed his people. | ruthless |
| The eccentric artist created unique and thought-provoking works. | eccentric |
| The grim reality of the situation was hard to ignore. | grim |
| The serene lake provided a peaceful escape. | serene |
| The tenacious athlete never gave up on her dreams. | tenacious |
| The witty comedian entertained the audience with his jokes. | witty |
| The zealous activist fought for social justice. | zealous |
Quantitative Adjectives Examples
Quantitative adjectives provide information about the quantity or amount of something. The following table illustrates their use in journalistic contexts.
| Sentence | Quantitative Adjective |
|---|---|
| Several witnesses reported seeing the suspect flee the scene. | Several |
| Many people attended the rally in support of the cause. | Many |
| Few details have been released about the ongoing investigation. | Few |
| Some experts believe the economy will recover soon. | Some |
| All residents were evacuated from the affected area. | All |
| Numerous studies have shown the benefits of exercise. | Numerous |
| A few protesters remained after the main demonstration ended. | A few |
| A large number of volunteers helped with the cleanup effort. | A large number |
| A small amount of evidence was found at the crime scene. | A small amount |
| A majority of voters supported the new legislation. | A majority |
| A significant increase in sales was reported this quarter. | A significant |
| Several hundred people participated in the marathon. | Several hundred |
| A handful of survivors were rescued from the wreckage. | A handful |
| A couple of suspects have been identified in connection with the robbery. | A couple |
| A great deal of progress has been made in the negotiations. | A great deal |
| A wide range of opinions were expressed during the debate. | A wide range |
| A limited number of tickets are still available for the concert. | A limited number |
| A considerable amount of damage was caused by the storm. | A considerable |
| An increasing number of students are choosing online education. | An increasing number |
| Each participant received a certificate of completion. | Each |
Demonstrative Adjectives Examples
Demonstrative adjectives specify which noun is being referred to. The following table showcases their usage in journalistic contexts.
| Sentence | Demonstrative Adjective |
|---|---|
| This report details the findings of the investigation. | This |
| That policy has been criticized for its negative impact. | That |
| These issues require immediate attention from lawmakers. | These |
| Those concerns have been addressed by the company. | Those |
| This year’s budget includes significant cuts to education. | This |
| That incident sparked a national debate about gun control. | That |
| These reforms are aimed at improving the healthcare system. | These |
| Those allegations have been thoroughly investigated by the authorities. | Those |
| This study provides new insights into the effects of climate change. | This |
| That building is scheduled for demolition next month. | That |
| These articles highlight the importance of mental health awareness. | These |
| Those comments were taken out of context and misrepresented. | Those |
| This neighborhood has seen a surge in property values. | This |
| That decision will have long-lasting consequences for the community. | That |
| These challenges require innovative solutions. | These |
| Those efforts have been recognized with numerous awards. | Those |
| This technology is expected to revolutionize the industry. | This |
| That approach has proven to be highly effective. | That |
| These proposals are currently under review by the committee. | These |
| Those statistics paint a concerning picture of the current economic situation. | Those |
Possessive Adjectives Examples
Possessive adjectives indicate ownership or possession. The following table demonstrates their use in journalistic contexts.
| Sentence | Possessive Adjective |
|---|---|
| The company announced its new marketing strategy. | its |
| The mayor defended his decision to implement the new policy. | his |
| The senator shared her views on the proposed legislation. | her |
| The team celebrated their victory after a hard-fought game. | their |
| I read your article about the local elections. | your |
| My sources confirmed the information before publication. | My |
| Our investigation revealed a pattern of corruption within the organization. | Our |
| The city is proud of its rich cultural heritage. | its |
| The artist displayed his latest collection at the gallery. | his |
| The activist shared her personal experiences with discrimination. | her |
| The residents expressed their concerns about the proposed development. | their |
| I appreciate your feedback on the draft report. | your |
| My editor approved the story for publication. | My |
| Our team is committed to providing accurate and unbiased reporting. | Our |
| The government defended its handling of the crisis. | its |
| The CEO outlined his vision for the future of the company. | his |
| The author discussed her inspiration for the novel. | her |
| The students presented their research findings at the conference. | their |
| I value your insights on the matter. | your |
| My colleagues and I worked together to uncover the truth. | My |
Interrogative Adjectives Examples
Interrogative adjectives are used to ask questions about nouns. The following table provides examples of interrogative adjectives in journalistic contexts.
| Sentence | Interrogative Adjective |
|---|---|
| Which candidate do you support in the upcoming election? | Which |
| What factors contributed to the company’s success? | What |
| Whose responsibility is it to address the environmental concerns? | Whose |
| Which policies are most effective in reducing crime rates? | Which |
| What evidence supports the claim of voter fraud? | What |
| Whose testimony is considered crucial to the investigation? | Whose |
| Which sources have confirmed the information? | Which |
| What impact will the new law have on small businesses? | What |
| Whose expertise is needed to solve the complex problem? | Whose |
| Which strategies are being used to combat climate change? | Which |
| What measures are being taken to ensure public safety? | What |
| Whose advice are you seeking on this matter? | Whose |
| Which countries are participating in the international summit? | Which |
| What challenges are facing the education system? | What |
| Whose perspective is missing from the current debate? | Whose |
| Which solutions are being considered to address the housing crisis? | Which |
| What resources are needed to support the community? | What |
| Whose interests are being served by the proposed changes? | Whose |
| Which organizations are involved in the relief efforts? | Which |
| What benefits will the new project bring to the region? | What |
Usage Rules for Adjectives
Proper adjective usage is governed by specific rules that ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.
Agreement with Nouns
In English, adjectives do not change form to agree with the noun they modify in terms of number or gender, unlike in some other languages. This simplifies adjective usage, but it’s still important to ensure that the adjective logically fits the noun it describes.
Comparative and Superlative Forms
Adjectives can be used to compare two or more things. The comparative form is used to compare two things, while the superlative form is used to compare three or more things. For most short adjectives, the comparative is formed by adding “-er” and the superlative by adding “-est” (e.g., tall, taller, tallest). For longer adjectives, “more” and “most” are used (e.g., beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful). Irregular adjectives like good (better, best) and bad (worse, worst) must be memorized.
Use with Articles
Adjectives often appear with articles (a, an, the) before the noun they modify. The choice of article depends on the noun and the adjective. Use “a” before adjectives that begin with a consonant sound and “an” before adjectives that begin with a vowel sound (e.g., a historic event, an unusual occurrence). The definite article “the” is used to refer to a specific or unique noun (e.g., the important decision).
Exceptions to the Rules
While the general rules for adjective usage are fairly straightforward, there are some exceptions and special cases to be aware of. For example, some adjectives can function as nouns when preceded by “the” (e.g., the poor, the rich). Additionally, some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms that must be memorized. Furthermore, the rules for adjective order can be flexible depending on the writer’s style and emphasis.
Common Mistakes with Adjectives
Even experienced writers can make mistakes with adjectives. Recognizing these common errors can help improve writing accuracy.
Misplaced Adjectives
Misplaced adjectives occur when an adjective is positioned in a sentence so that it appears to modify the wrong noun. This can lead to confusion or unintended meanings.
To avoid this, ensure that the adjective is placed as close as possible to the noun it modifies.
Incorrect: The reporter interviewed the victim of the crime, who was deeply traumatized, in the hospital.
Correct: The reporter interviewed the deeply traumatized victim of the crime in the hospital.
Overuse of Adjectives
While adjectives can enhance writing, using too many adjectives can make the writing seem cluttered and less impactful. Choose adjectives carefully and prioritize quality over quantity.
Strong nouns and verbs can often convey more meaning than a string of adjectives.
Overly descriptive: The old, dilapidated, abandoned house stood on the lonely, deserted street.
More concise: The dilapidated house stood on the deserted street.
Incorrect Forms of Adjectives
Using the incorrect comparative or superlative form of an adjective is a common mistake. Remember to use “-er” and “-est” for most short adjectives and “more” and “most” for longer adjectives.
Be aware of irregular forms and double-check when unsure.
Incorrect: This is the most goodest solution.
Correct: This is the best solution.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of adjectives with the following exercises.
Exercise 1: Identifying Adjectives
Identify the adjectives in the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The brave firefighters rescued the trapped residents. | brave, trapped |
| 2. The old building had damaged walls. | old, damaged |
| 3. The talented artist created a beautiful painting. | talented, beautiful |
| 4. The controversial law sparked heated debate. | controversial, heated |
| 5. Several witnesses saw the suspect vehicle. | Several, suspect |
| 6. This report contains important information. | This, important |
| 7. The company announced its new product. | its, new |
| 8. Which strategy is most effective? | Which |
| 9. The American economy is facing unprecedented challenges. | American, unprecedented |
| 10. The well-known author released a groundbreaking novel. | well-known, groundbreaking |
Exercise 2: Choosing the Right Adjective
Choose the best adjective to complete each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The _______ storm caused widespread damage. | (a) powerful (b) power (c) powerfully | (a) powerful |
| 2. The witness provided _______ testimony. | (a) crucial (b) crucially (c) cruder | (a) crucial |
| 3. The company is facing _______ financial difficulties. | (a) severe (b) severely (c) severest | (a) severe |
| 4. The _______ investigation uncovered evidence of corruption. | (a) thorough (b) thoroughly (c) through | (a) thorough |
| 5. The _______ politician delivered a passionate speech. | (a) charismatic (b) charisma (c) charismatically | (a) charismatic |
| 6. The _______ community rallied to support the victims. | (a) resilient (b) resilience (c) resilienced | (a) resilient |
| 7. The _______ artist displayed her latest works. | (a) acclaimed (b) acclaim (c) acclaiming | (a) acclaimed |
| 8. The _______ building was a landmark in the city. | (a) historic (b) historically (c) history | (a) historic |
| 9. The _______ proposal aims to address the housing crisis. | (a) innovative (b) innovate (c) innovating | (a) innovative |
| 10. The _______ effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent. | (a) devastating (b) devastate (c) devastated | (a) devastating |
Exercise 3: Correcting Adjective Errors
Correct the adjective errors in the following sentences.
| Question | Corrected Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The reporter interviewed the victim, who was traumatized deeply. | The reporter interviewed the deeply traumatized victim. |
| 2. This is the goodest solution to the problem. | This is the best solution to the problem. |
| 3. The house was old, dilapidated, and abandoned. | The dilapidated house. (Reduced adjective usage) |
| 4. The more taller building is the Empire State Building. | The taller building is the Empire State Building. |
| 5. The witness provided a very crucial information. | The witness provided crucial information. |
| 6. He is the most intelligentest student in the class. | He is the most intelligent student in the class. |
| 7. The policy is very affectful on the community. | The policy is very effective on the community. |
| 8. The city is known for its beautiful and attractiveness parks. | The city is known for its beautiful and attractive parks. |
| 9. The journalist wrote a long and detail article. | The journalist wrote a long and detailed article. |
| 10. The program has a positive affect on the students. | The program has a positive effect on the students. |
Advanced Topics in Adjective Usage
For advanced learners, exploring more complex aspects of adjective usage can further enhance their writing skills.
Adjectives in Figurative Language
Adjectives play a key role in figurative language, such as metaphors and similes. Using adjectives creatively can add depth and imagery to writing, making it more engaging and memorable. For example, describing a politician as having an “iron will” uses an adjective (iron) in a metaphorical sense to convey strength and determination.
Subjectivity and Objectivity
In journalistic writing, it’s crucial to be aware of the subjective nature of some adjectives. While some adjectives describe objective qualities (e.g., red, large), others reflect personal opinions or biases (e.g., beautiful, terrible). Journalists should strive for objectivity
and avoid using adjectives that express personal feelings or judgments unless explicitly attributed to a source. Using neutral and factual adjectives helps maintain credibility and impartiality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my adjective usage in journalistic writing?
To improve your adjective usage, focus on expanding your vocabulary, paying attention to the connotations of different adjectives, and practicing writing with a variety of descriptive techniques. Read widely and observe how professional writers use adjectives effectively.
Also, seek feedback on your writing from editors and colleagues.
Are there any adjectives that journalists should avoid?
Journalists should avoid using adjectives that are vague, subjective, or biased. Adjectives that express personal opinions or judgments should be avoided unless they are explicitly attributed to a source.
It’s also important to avoid using adjectives that perpetuate stereotypes or promote discrimination.
How important is adjective order in English?
While the general order of adjectives (OSASCOMP) is a useful guideline, it’s not always strictly followed in English. Deviations from this order can be acceptable for stylistic reasons or to emphasize certain qualities.
However, it’s important to be aware of the general rule and to make conscious choices about adjective order to ensure clarity and naturalness.
Can adjectives be overused in journalistic writing?
Yes, adjectives can be overused in journalistic writing. Using too many adjectives can make the writing seem cluttered, less impactful, and subjective.
Choose adjectives carefully and prioritize quality over quantity. Strong nouns and verbs can often convey more meaning than a string of adjectives.
What is the difference between a descriptive adjective and a proper adjective?
A descriptive adjective describes the qualities or characteristics of a noun (e.g., beautiful, tall, intelligent), while a proper adjective is formed from a proper noun and describes something associated with that noun (e.g., American, Shakespearean, Victorian). Proper adjectives are always capitalized, while descriptive adjectives are not.
Conclusion
Adjectives are powerful tools that can significantly enhance journalistic writing. By understanding the different types of adjectives, their usage rules, and common mistakes to avoid, journalists can craft more precise, vivid, and impactful stories.
Mastering the art of using adjectives effectively is essential for conveying accurate information, engaging readers, and maintaining credibility. As you continue to develop your writing skills, remember to choose adjectives thoughtfully, use them sparingly, and always strive for objectivity and clarity.