Adjectives used as Nouns
Adjectives as plural common noun
When we use ‘the’ before an adjective, it may become a plural common noun. So, we use plural verb with it.
The poor is better than the rich. (incorrect)
The poor are better than the rich. (correct; are – plural verb)
Blessed is the ignorant. (incorrect)
Blessed are the ignorant. (correct; are – plural verb)
We should never look down upon the poors. (incorrect)
We should never look down upon the poor. (correct)
We should not use a noun after the + adjective’s.
Incorrect pattern: The + Adjective’s + Noun
Correct pattern: The + Noun + of + the + Adjective
The poor’s plight is very pathetic in Africa. (incorrect)
The plight of the poor is very pathetic in Africa. (correct; here ‘is’ has been used because the subject of the sentence is plight)
Adjectives as singular noun
When we use ‘the’ before an adjective, it may become a singular noun denoting some abstract quality.
He is a lover of the beautiful. (i.e. beauty in general)
Adjectives that actually become nouns
Some adjectives actually became nouns. So, we can use them in singular, as well as plural forms.
Here are some of such adjectives working as noun:
- Those derived from proper nouns: Indians, Italians.
- Some denoting persons: juniors, seniors, mortals, inferiors, superiors, nobles, criminals, savages, elders, minors.
- A few denoting things generally: secrets, totals, liquids, solids, valuables.
For example: valuables, eatables.
Adjectives functioning as nouns in phrases
Some adjectives function as nouns in certain phrases.
For example: 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.
The dispute redressal committee meetings were carried on in secret.
At present, he is busy in a client meeting.
The long and short of it is that we will have to take some disciplinary action against you.
Nouns used as adjectives
We commonly use nouns as adjectives.
She loves to play computer games.
If a noun functions as an adjective, it cannot be in plural form.
We probably will have to resort to eyes surgery. (incorrect)
We probably will have to resort to eye surgery. (correct)