Adjectives in English go in two positions: directly before a noun, as in a blue bag, or after the verb to be, as in the bag is blue. Unlike in Spanish, adjectives never change form or add -s in the plural.
Grammar Rule
Adjectives can go in two positions, and never change form or take -s in the plural, unlike in Spanish.
Adjective Position Rules
| Position | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Before the noun | adjective + noun | She has a blue bag. He is a young student. |
| After the verb to be | to be + adjective | The bag is blue. The student is young. |
Remember: adjectives never take -s and always go before the noun or after to be.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing the correct position for the adjective. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Adjectives – Position (Before a Noun or After the Verb 'To Be')
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do adjectives usually go in an English sentence?
Adjectives usually go directly before the noun they describe, as in a blue bag, or after the verb to be, as in the bag is blue.
Do English adjectives change form for plural nouns?
No. English adjectives never change form or take -s, even when the noun is plural, unlike in Spanish.
Can you say the blues bag in English?
No. Adjectives never take -s in English, so the correct form is always the blue bag, not the blues bag.
What comes first, the adjective or the noun?
The adjective comes first, directly before the noun, as in a young student.