Adjectives and Nouns

                                                                                 

ADJECTIVES USED AS NOUNS

1.   Adjectives are often used as Nouns.

As plural nouns denoting a class of persons. See the examples below.

The cautious is always in the least danger.

The rich know not the pain of poor people.

The underlined adjectives as stated above function like a noun and represent a class. For instance, a class who are cautious and a class who are rich.

2.   As singular Nouns denoting some abstract existence.

The future (=futurity) is uncertain.

He is an admirer of merciful (=Mercy in general).

The underlined adjectives above are actually representing a noun which have been stated in brackets.

3.   Some adjectives actually are adjectives but they can be counted like a noun.

a.    Those adjectives which are derived from a proper noun.

For instance India is a proper noun. Indian is its adjective such as in Delhi is Indian capital. Here in this sentence the underlined word Indian is a proper adjective made fro a proper noun India.

Now see this sentence; There are 130 billion Indians.

Here the underlined portion is functioning as per the rule stated above.

The same is true for Australians, Canadians, Americans, Europeans, Asians, Africans etc.

Hope this context is clear now, having any problem in understanding, we will be happy helping you, just log in to our website www.englishgrammartoday.com , and register yourself with us. We provide free English grammar tutorials

b.    Some adjectives denote persons but can be plural like a noun.

For instance: i. Paul is my junior clerk.

ii. Pawan is my junior clerk.

Now see the underlined word in, Paul and pawan are my                     juniors in the clerical department.

a.    Some adjectives denote things but can be plural like a noun.

Examples: Secret is an adjective, but if we say “Hard work and dedication are the secrets of Messi’s success. “ Here in this sentence the word secret, which is actually an adjective, functions like a noun and it is countable.

Some other adjectives that can function in this way are: Solids, valuables etc.

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