Correct use of some confusing Adjectives

Correct use of some confusing Adjectives

Some and Any

The adjectives ‘some’ and ‘any’ are used to express quantity, number or degree of a noun (object/thing).

The difference is that ‘some’ is used in affirmative sentence and ‘any’ in negative and interrogative sentence.

He brought me some milk. (Affirmative sentence)

He did not bring me any milk. (Negative sentence)

Did you bring any milk? (Interrogative sentence)

Each and Every

The adjective ‘each’ is used in speaking of two or more things, when the number in the group is limited and definite.

Whereas ‘every’ is used in speaking of more than two things, when the number in the group is unlimited and indefinite and means each without exception.

I was in London for ten days and it rained each day.

Every part of these machines is out of order.

Note: These adjectives take singular verb in sentence.

Few, A few and The few

All these three adjectives are used to show number or count.

‘few’ means not many or hardly any.

‘a few’ means some, and opposed to none.

‘the few’ means not many, but all there are.

Few men are free from faults.

A few men are free from faults.

The few colleagues I have are all very competent.

Little, A little and The little

All these three adjectives are mainly used for showing quantity.

‘little’ means not much or hardly any.

‘a little’ means some, though not much.

‘the little’ represents not much but all that is.

There is little hope of his success.

There is a little hope of his success.

The little chance of his success has now gone.

 

Later, latter, latest and last

These adjectives are used as follows;

‘Later’ and ‘latest’ denotes time.

‘Latter’ refers to position.

‘Last’ is used in both cases.

Pervez came later than an incident.

The latter half of this book is very interesting.

The last poem is rather difficult.

He needs equipment of latest design.

 

Older and Elder

These adjectives are used as follows;

‘Elder’ is used for the members of the family.

‘Older’ is used for any one out of family.

Irshad is older than fahad.

He is my elder brother.

 

Farther and Further

These adjectives are used as follows;

‘Farther’ means more distant.

‘Further’ means something in addition.

Murree is farther from Lahore than Islamabad.

Take action without any further delay.

Nearest and Next

These adjectives are used as follows;

‘Nearest’ refers to distance.

‘Next’ refers to position.

I gave him a lift in my car to the nearest bus stop.

He is my next door neighbour.

 

Many, many a and much

These adjectives are used as follows;

‘Many’ shows number.

‘Many a’ also shows number but takes singular noun and verb after it.

‘Much’ shows quantity.

 

Many boys have played football.

Many a boy has played football.

He has much work to do.

Hope this would have helped you in clarifying the correct use of some confusing Adjectives.