1. We use -ing adjectives to describe an effect and -ed adjectives to describe how a person feels:
That was such an interesting lecture. Prof. Green is such a good speaker.
Not: That was such an interested lecture.
I was not interested in the lecture.
Not: I was not interesting …
2. We can’t use some -ed forms before a noun:
The new results are clear from the diagram shown.
Not: … from the shown diagram
3. Adjectives in English do not change (agree) with the noun that they modify:
The tropical birds were beautiful.
Not: The tropical birds were beautifuls.
4. Some adjectives only appear before nouns and do not follow verbs. They include adjectives of degree, time and order, and adjectives that limit the noun that follows them:
The trip was a complete disaster from start to finish.
Not: The disaster was complete
His late wife Betty was related to my mother.
Not: His wife was late
The only person who can sort this out is Keith.
Not: The person was only
5. Take care to spell the suffix -ful with one l:
6. Other errors with common adjectives
Most people go to the popular tourist destinations.
Not: … the popular touristic destinations.
It can be fun to work with young children.
Not: … funny to work with … (fun means ‘enjoyable’, funny means that something makes you laugh or that it is strange)
I have a very stressful job.
Not: … a very stressing job.
We went to a nearby restaurant.
Not: … a near restaurant.
What are the necessary ingredients for this dish?
Not: … the needed ingredients …?
I noticed an open window.
Not: … an opened window
I was really surprised when I heard the news.
Not: I was really surprise …
We’re having a party on Friday. Everybody is welcome.
Not: Everybody is welcomed.
The younger generation often lack ambition.
Not: The young generation often lack ambition.