Myriora English › Grammar and punctuation › Chapter 1: Word classes

Adjectives

Ages 5–7Chapter 1 · Lesson 3

In this lesson

An adjective describes a noun.
It can come before the noun, like a tiny mouse.
Or after is or was, like the dog is happy.

Your turn

Which word is an adjective?

Show the answer

Sleepy describes a noun, like a sleepy cat!

The common mistake

Here's a common mistake. Find the adjective in this sentence. Some people say there isn't one, because nothing comes before sky. But grey comes after was, and it describes the sky. So grey is the adjective!

Try it at home

Describe a toy with three adjectives without naming it; the others guess what it is. Then try putting each adjective after is: the bear is soft.

Read the whole lesson

Hello, and welcome to Myriora English! A spider. Or a huge, hairy spider! The words that make it scarier are adjectives.

An adjective describes a noun. It tells you more about it. What size? A tiny mouse. What colour? A red bus. What is it like? A noisy party.

Here's a test. Put the word between the and a noun. The happy dog. The cold drink. If it fits, it's probably an adjective.

Adjectives don't always come before the noun. They can come after is, or was. The dog is happy. The soup was cold.

Let's try one together. Find the adjective. The tall giraffe ate leaves. Say it out loud!

Tall! It tells you more about the giraffe. Well done if you said tall!

Your turn! Which word is an adjective? Pick the right card. You've got eight seconds, or pause the video. Go!

Time's up! Sleepy describes a noun, like a sleepy cat!

Quick review. An adjective describes a noun. It can come before the noun, like a tiny mouse. Or after is or was, like the dog is happy. See you next time!