Adjectives of Number

Adjectives of Number

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns and pronouns. Among the different types of adjectives, Adjectives of Number play a crucial role in specifying quantity and order.

What Are Adjectives of Number?

Adjectives of number (also called numeral adjectives) indicate how many or in what order a noun stands. They answer questions like:

• How many? (e.g., five apples)
• In which position? (e.g., first prize)

Types of Adjectives of Number

Adjectives of number can be categorized into three main types:

Definite Numeral Adjectives

These adjectives give an exact number or position. They are further divided into two subtypes:

A. Cardinals (How Many?)

Cardinal numbers indicate an exact count.
Examples:

• One book is missing.
• She has three cats.
• There are ten students in the class.
• There are four chairs in the living room.
• She has two brothers and one sister.
• He bought three apples at the grocery store.

B. Ordinals (In What Order?)

Ordinal numbers show position or rank.
Examples:

• He won the first prize.
• This is my second attempt.
• She lives on the tenth floor.
• The first day of school is always exciting.
• She came in second place in the race.
• He was the third person to arrive at the party.

Indefinite Numeral Adjectives

These adjectives give an approximate number (not exact).
Examples:

• Many people attended the event.
• Few students passed the test.
• She has several books.
• Some apples are rotten.

Common indefinite numeral adjectives:

• All, some, many, few, several, any, most, none, enough

Distributive Numeral Adjectives

These adjectives refer to individual nouns in a group.
Examples:

• Each student must submit the assignment.
• Every child deserves love.
• Either option is fine.
• Neither answer was correct.

Key distributive adjectives:

• Each, every, either, neither

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing “few” and “a few”:
   • Few (negative meaning: almost none)
     • Example: Few people came. (Very few attended)
   • A few (positive meaning: some)
     • Example: A few people came. (Some attended)
2. Using “less” instead of “fewer” for countable nouns:
   • ❌ Incorrect: She has less books than me.
   • ✅ Correct: She has fewer books than me.
3. Misplacing adjectives:
   • ❌ Incorrect: The three first chapters are easy.
   • ✅ Correct: The first three chapters are easy.

Adjective of Number Examples Sentence

Definite Numeral Adjectives (Cardinals & Ordinals)

1. She has two cats.
2. Five students failed the test.
3. This is my first time visiting Japan.
4. He scored three goals in the match.
5. The tenth chapter is the hardest.
6. She bought seven dresses for the party.
7. The second candidate performed well.
8. Four employees resigned this month.
9. He won the first prize in the competition.
10. We need six more chairs for the guests.

Indefinite Numeral Adjectives

11. Many people attended the concert.
12. Few students understood the lesson.
13. She has several books on history.
14. Some apples in the basket are rotten.
15. All passengers must wear seatbelts.
16. Most children love ice cream.
17. Enough food was prepared for everyone.
18. Any student can participate in the quiz.
19. No tickets were left for the show.
20. Certain rules must be followed.

Distributive Numeral Adjectives

21. Each student received a certificate.
22. Every house on this street has a garden.
23. Either answer is acceptable.
24. Neither option seems good.
25. Each of the boys brought a gift.
26. Every child deserves love and care.
27. You can choose either dress for the party.
28. Neither team played well.
29. Each question carries equal marks.
30. Every employee must attend the meeting.

Mixed Examples (Definite + Indefinite + Distributive)

31. Two of my friends are doctors. (Definite – Cardinal)
32. Many birds migrate in winter. (Indefinite)
33. Every student must submit the assignment. (Distributive)
34. She ate three slices of pizza. (Definite – Cardinal)
35. Few people know the truth. (Indefinite)
36. Each participant got a medal. (Distributive)
37. The first chapter is easy. (Definite – Ordinal)
38. Some guests arrived late. (Indefinite)
39. Neither answer was correct. (Distributive)
40. He has five brothers. (Definite – Cardinal)
41. All students passed the exam. (Indefinite)
42. Every car needs fuel. (Distributive)
43. She stood second in the race. (Definite – Ordinal)
44. Several books were missing. (Indefinite)
45. Either road leads to the market. (Distributive)
46. Ten players were selected. (Definite – Cardinal)
47. Most people prefer tea over coffee. (Indefinite)
48. Each child got a chocolate. (Distributive)
49. This is my third attempt. (Definite – Ordinal)
50. Few students completed the task on time. (Indefinite)

Adjectives of Number Exercise

Test your understanding with these fill-in-the-blank sentences:

1. She ate ___ (two/second) slices of pizza.
2. ___ (Many/Much) students participated in the competition.
3. ___ (Each/Every) of the answers was correct.
4. This is my ___ (one/first) visit to Paris.

Answers:

1. two (cardinal)
2. Many (indefinite)
3. Each (distributive)
4. first (ordinal)

Adjectives of number help us express quantity and order clearly. Whether using definite, indefinite, or distributive adjectives, they make sentences more precise. By mastering these, you can improve your writing and avoid common grammatical errors.

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