Gradable and Non-Gradable Adjectives

1. Gradable Adjectives

What Are Gradable Adjectives?

Gradable adjectives describe qualities that can vary in intensity or degree. They let you express different levels—for example: slightly cold, very cold, extremely cold.

Characteristics of Gradable Adjectives

• Varying Degrees: They can be modified to show different intensities (e.g., very, slightly, extremely).
• Common in Comparisons: Often used with comparatives (hotter) and superlatives (hottest).
• Modifiers: Can be enhanced with adverbs like very, quite, too, so, incredibly, etc.

Common Gradable Adjectives

• Hot → Very hot 
• Cold → Quite cold 
• Interesting → Extremely interesting 
• Tasty → Incredibly tasty 
• Difficult → Fairly difficult 
• Boring → Rather boring 
• Simple → So simple 
• Bright → Unusually bright 

Examples of Gradable Adjectives

1. The soup is very hot.
2. It’s quite cold outside.
3. I’m feeling slightly tired today.
4. The music was really loud.
5. These apples are so fresh.
6. This book is extremely interesting.
7. That show was fairly boring.
8. The workout was too difficult for me.
9. This burger is incredibly tasty.
10. Her car is rather old but still reliable.
11. The park was beautifully green in spring.
12. The house is somewhat big for a single person.
13. This laptop is surprisingly fast.
14. The dog seemed slightly scared.
15. The schedule is extremely packed today.
16. The lotion feels really smooth.
17. That painting is unusually bright.
18. The exam was fairly easy.
19. This recipe is so simple to follow.
20. The weather is rather gloomy this week.

2. Non‑Gradable Adjectives

What Are Non‑Gradable Adjectives?

Non‑gradables describe qualities that are absolute or unchangeable and cannot be modified by typical degree adverbs like “very” or “quite.” Instead, intensifiers such as “absolutely” or “completely” are used.

Types of Non‑Gradable Adjectives

1. Extreme Adjectives

• Good → Fantastic
  Example: The movie was fantastic.
• Funny → Hilarious
  Example: The joke was hilarious.
• Beautiful → Stunning
  Example: The sunset was stunning.

Examples of Extreme Adjectives

1. That movie was fantastic.
2. The comedian was hilarious.
3. This place is amazing.
4. That was a terrifying experience.
5. Her behavior was awful.
6. The party was incredible.
7. The view was breathtaking.
8. The roller coaster ride was thrilling.
9. The beach is paradise‑like.
10. This diamond is priceless.
11. The pizza was delicious.
12. The firework show was spectacular.
13. The sunset was stunning.
14. The art exhibit was phenomenal.
15. The volcanic eruption was devastating.
16. The island vacation was unforgettable.
17. The space launch was astonishing.
18. The safari experience was magnificent.
19. Her achievement was extraordinary.
20. The concert was mind‑blowing.

2. Absolute Adjectives

Absolute adjectives describe qualities that are complete or binary (e.g., unique, perfect, impossible).

• Round
  Example: The Earth is round.
• Perfect
  Example: Her aim was perfect.
• Impossible
  Example: That task is impossible.

Examples of Absolute Adjectives

1. The Earth is round.
2. This book is unique.
3. His aim was perfect.
4. That task is impossible.
5. These documents are necessary.
6. The color is pure.
7. The solution is neutral.
8. This door is locked.
9. The room is empty.
10. This email is confidential.
11. The idea was brilliant.
12. The ice is frozen.
13. The night sky was black.
14. The process is automatic.
15. It’s midnight.
16. The location is unknown.
17. The system is secure.
18. The signal is global.
19. The gem is flawless.
20. Space is infinite.

3. Classifying Adjectives

Classifying adjectives define a noun’s category, type, or function.

• American
  Example: He is an American citizen.
• Organic
  Example: These are organic vegetables.
• Digital
  Example: She works in digital marketing.

Examples of Classifying Adjectives

1. He is an American citizen.
2. This is a nuclear reactor.
3. The hospital specializes in medical cases.
4. She’s an educational expert.
5. These are organic vegetables.
6. The company deals with industrial goods.
7. This is a genetic condition.
8. This is a residential area.
9. The car uses electric power.
10. This is a satellite‑based system.
11. These are agricultural products.
12. The office uses technological solutions.
13. She specializes in digital marketing.
14. The building has military‑grade protection.
15. The factory produces chemical components.
16. The laboratory focuses on biological research.
17. The clinic treats pharmaceutical patients.
18. The conference discusses global issues.
19. This library has a vast historical collection.
20. This test measures scientific accuracy.