Articles with Adjectives
Article + Adjective working as Noun
When we use definite article ‘the’ before an adjective (of quality), it becomes plural common noun and denotes an entire class. We use plural verb with such nouns.
E.g. the poor, the rich, the honest, the old, the young etc.
The poor are in constant struggle.
In such cases the real noun is hidden and understood.
E.g. the poor = the poor people
Articles with Superlative Adjective
Concept 1
We use ‘the’ before a superlative adjective, if it is followed by a noun or defining phrase (otherwise we often leave out ‘the’, particularly in an informal style).
The darkest cloud has a silver lining. (darkest - superlative adjective; cloud - noun)
This bike is the most expensive in the collection. (most - superlative adjective)
Why did you decide to join this job?
It was (the) best. (informal style) OR
It was the best job.
Concept 2
We also use ‘the’ before a noun (with emphasis) to give the force of a superlative.
You are the man!
The Verb is the word in a predicate. (i.e. the main word)
Articles with Comparative Adjective
If two comparative degrees are directly or inversely proportional to each other, we use ‘the’ before both comparative degrees.
The more gadgets you use, the higher your electricity bill will be.
The more you study, the better marks you will get.
When we make a choice, we use:
comparative degree, if one out of two are chosen.
Pattern: the + comparative degree + of
He is the brighter of the two students.superlative degree, if one out of many are chosen.
Pattern: the + superlative degree + of
He is the best of all the students.
Miscellaneous Concepts
Concept 1: ‘same’ and ‘whole’
We use ‘the’ before adjectives ‘same’ and ‘whole’.
She is the same girl that sent me a friend request.
The whole year has been wasted by you.
Concept 2: Few and Little
Few and Little gain different meanings when used with different articles.
Few:
- Few – almost zero (but not zero).
- A few – Some.
- The few – All that is available.
Little:
- Little – almost nothing (but not nothing).
- A little – Some.
- The little – All that is available.
Concept 3: so/as/too/how/quite + adjective
If so, as, too, how and quite are used before adjectives, then we will use ‘a/an’ before the singular noun that follows.
Pattern: so/as/too/how/quite + adjectives + a/an + singular noun
It is too heavy a bat for a young player. (heavy – adjective; bat – singular noun)
Infosys is not so big a company as you think. (big – adjective; company – singular noun)
Extra Books and Tools
If you prefer to learn via books, or want some good English Grammar books for reference purposes, you may read this article which enlists some of the books recommended by us.