A nominal adjective is an adjective that functions as a noun. Nominalization occurs when a word from another part of speech takes on the job of a noun.
Types of Nominal Adjectives:
- Collective Adjectives
- Superlative Adjectives
- Comparative Adjectives
This lesson emphasizes collective adjectives, a common type of nominal adjective.
The definite article “the” usually precedes nominal adjectives. Nominal adjectives can perform any noun function, including:
- subject
- direct object
- indirect object
- object of the preposition
People often nominalize adjectives of condition or quality.
Examples:
- the poor
- the brave
- the young
Nominal adjectives do not refer to a single person. Instead, they refer to a group, class, or category of people.
- Example: The brave deserve honor.
We will talk about superlative adjectives and comparative adjectives in a later lesson.
Creative Writing
Creating a fictional world is a great way to practice grammar without limiting yourself. In Lesson 13, we discussed quotation marks for direct speech.
Core Dialogue Rule
Always start a new paragraph each time the speaker changes.
When setting up dialogue, indent each new paragraph.
If another speaker cuts off a speaker, use an em dash before the closing quotation mark. Then begin the interrupter’s line in a new paragraph.
Example:
“A frog?” Jory scoffed. “Please. I’ll turn you into a goose and you’ll honk all the way to the grocery store.”
“Goose?” Mara barked a short laugh. “You mean the kind that eats all the marshmallows in one sitting?”
Jory leaned closer, eyes bright. “Exactly. And I’ll make you lay eggs for a week.”
“Lay eggs?” Mara’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. I’ll—”
“That’s enough!” Their mother’s voice cut across the yard. “Get off my car this instant!”
Word of Wisdom
“Lying about a flaw does not make it go away.”