Parts of Speech
Adjectives
Place adjectives as close as possible to the noun they modify.
Why this happens
Adjective errors show up when modifiers are in the wrong order, when comparatives are formed incorrectly, or when a word that looks like an adverb is used to describe a noun. Writers also pile adjectives before a noun without commas where coordinate adjectives need them. In essays, misplaced adjectives can change meaning — only the tall candidates passed vs the candidates only passed.
See it in a sentence
IncorrectShe is more smarter than her colleague.
CorrectShe is smarter than her colleague.
Teaching note: Do not combine more with -er comparatives — pick smarter or more intelligent.
IncorrectHe wore a cotton blue shirt to the interview.
CorrectHe wore a blue cotton shirt to the interview.
Teaching note: Opinion (blue) usually comes before material (cotton) in adjective order.
IncorrectThe exam was very perfectly organised.
CorrectThe exam was very well organised — or perfectly organised.
Teaching note: Perfectly is an adverb; organised needs well or an adjective form, not very perfectly.
More examples
A small red Italian sports car vs a red small Italian sports car.
Standard order: size, age, colour, origin, material, purpose — small red Italian fits the usual pattern.
The results are more accurate than last year.
Comparisons need a clear standard: more accurate than last year's results.
She felt badly after the presentation.
Felt is linking here — she felt bad (adjective), not badly (which implies poor sense of touch).
Elder and eldest refer to family members; older and oldest are general.
My elder sister is standard; my older sister is also fine — avoid elder without a noun (not She is elder).
Quick check
This is the most easiest question on the paper.
Show the fix
This is the easiest question on the paper. Superlatives with -est do not take most — use easiest, not most easiest.
Practice this topic in Wrytesmart
Open the grammar workspace to complete interactive exercises for adjectives. You will spot errors, fill blanks, and transform sentences — always with teaching notes that explain the principle, not just the correction.
Master adjectives in context
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