As a copy editor, one of the essential rules to follow is the agreement of adjective with the noun. Adjectives are an integral part of the English language that help to modify and describe nouns. They add color and detail to our writing, making it more engaging and descriptive. However, it is crucial to ensure that the adjectives used in our writing agree with the nouns they describe.

Agreement of adjective with noun means that the adjective used in our writing must match the noun in gender, number, and case. This is essential in maintaining proper grammar in our writing and ensuring clarity in our communication. Here are some tips to help you ensure proper agreement of adjective with noun in your writing.

1. Gender Agreement

In English grammar, gender refers to the classification of nouns as either masculine, feminine, or neuter. Adjectives used to modify nouns must agree with the gender of the noun. For example, consider the phrase “the tall girl.” In this case, “tall” is an adjective that agrees with the feminine noun “girl.” However, if the noun is masculine, we would use “tall” to describe the masculine noun, such as “the tall boy.”

2. Number Agreement

In English, nouns can be singular or plural. Adjectives must agree with the number of the noun they describe. For example, consider the phrase “the happy child.” Here, “happy” is an adjective that agrees with the singular noun “child.” But if the noun were plural, we would say “the happy children.”

3. Case Agreement

In English, there are three cases: nominative, possessive, and objective. Generally, adjectives are only modified for the nominative case. For example, in the phrase “the happy child,” “happy” is only modified for the nominative case. It would remain the same in the possessive and objective case.

In conclusion, proper agreement of adjective with noun is essential in maintaining proper grammar and clear communication in our writing. It ensures that our writing is engaging and descriptive while remaining grammatically correct. Gender, number, and case agreement are the essential aspects to consider when using adjectives in writing. By following these tips, you can ensure proper agreement of adjective with noun in your writing.