Discussion of Adjectives in American English

We have here a set of selected adjectives for students to begin with in their vocabulary. We arranged them by groups such as time, shape, and feelings (good and bad). I have used it by asking the students to be able to make a sentence of each that will reflect the understanding of the word. For example, using the adjective of weary: He was weary because he had worked for many hours.

I also often begin the class with each student being asked; "How are you feeling today?" They must use one of the feelings either good or bad with enough to ascertain they understand the meaning. For example for the feeling "nervous." I'm feeling nervous because we will have a test tomorrow. Each student must use a new feeling and are not allowed to use one used by a previous student. With some of the adjectives I try to point out that the selections are often in the mind of the beholder. For example "later" can come before "soon." We often use "soon" for a few minutes to a few years. For example the Olympics will happen soon (a few months), while the same student may come to see me "later" (that afternoon).

Also we might ask how many people it takes for a "few" or "many." Also we might ask what is their decision is for whom is "tall" and "short." We often explain that we often designate tall as someone who is taller than we are and likewise for short.