Introduction
Adjectives are determiners that can be placed in two different positions within a sentence to modify or describe a person or a thing.
Non-gradable adjectives cannot vary in intensity or grade.
Form
Non-gradable adjectives are adejctives that cannot vary in intensity or grade.
The most commonly used non-gradable adjectives are: absolute, dead, entire, exhausted, fantastic, freezing, impossible, pregnant…
Example
- Absolute silence can drive you crazy.
- Her grandfather is dead.
- He travelled around the entire world in his life.
- After 10 hours of work, he was exhausted.
- What a freezing day!
- It is impossible that we will lose this game.
- My dream was just fantastic!
- Julia is pregnant.
Use
Summary
Non-gradable adjectives are adjectives that cannot vary in intensity or grade and cannot be used in the comparative and superlative forms.
The most commonly used non-gradable adjectives are: absolute, dead, entire, exhausted, fantastic, freezing, impossible, pregnant…
For example:
— “It’s freezing cold outside.” = Freezing already means very cold, so it cannot vary in intensity or grade (by adding very, for example).
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.