ADJECTIVES – SAT GRAMMAR THEORY
What is an Adjective?
An adjective describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. It answers:
What kind? Which one? How many?
Examples:
• The red car (What kind?)
• The second chance (Which one?)
• Three books (How many?)
KEY ADJECTIVE RULES ON THE SAT
1. Adjective vs. Adverb
Rule:
• Use adjectives to describe nouns.
• Use adverbs to describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Common SAT Trap:
Confusing “good” (adj.) with “well” (adv.)
Examples:
• She is a good student. (Adjective → modifies “student”)
• She writes well. (Adverb → modifies “writes”)
2. Comparative vs. Superlative
Form Use Example
Comparative (–er / more) Comparing two things She is smarter than him.
Form Use Example
Superlative (–est / most) Comparing three or more She is the smartest in the class.
SAT Trap:
Using superlative for two items.
• Incorrect: Between the two, she is the best.
• Correct: Between the two, she is the better.
3. Order of Adjectives
When multiple adjectives describe one noun, they follow a specific order:
Quantity > Opinion > Size > Age > Shape > Color > Origin > Material > Purpose > Noun
Example:
• Three beautiful large old round blue French wooden cooking bowls
The SAT won’t test you heavily on this order, but awkward adjective order may appear in
answer choices.
4. Adjective Agreement with Nouns
Adjectives must logically match the noun they describe.
Examples:
• Incorrect: She wore an honest dress.
• Correct: She wore a modest dress.
5. Absolute Adjectives
Some adjectives are not compared or intensified.
• More perfect
• Most unique
• Perfect / Unique (already at the extreme)
SAT will try to trick you with:
This solution is more perfect than the last.
6. Adjective Placement
Adjectives usually come before the noun, but SAT may place them incorrectly for awkward
effect.
• A car fast red
• A fast red car
SAT-STYLE PRACTICE QUESTIONS (With Explanations)
Q1: She runs good and speaks even better.
• A. good
• B. well
• C. better
• D. best
Answer: B. well
"Runs" is a verb → use adverb "well," not adjective "good."
Q2: This is the more unique painting in the gallery.
• A. more unique
• B. most unique
• C. uniquely
• D. unique
Answer: D. unique
"Unique" is absolute. No “more” or “most.”
Q3: Of the two players, he is the best.
• A. best
• B. better
• C. more better
• D. most better
Answer: B. better
Use comparative (better) for two things.
COMMON SAT ADJECTIVE TRAPS
Trap Error Fix
Adjective instead of adverb She sings beautiful. She sings beautifully.
Between the two, he is the
Superlative for two items He is the taller.
tallest.
Absolute adjective This task is
This task is more impossible.
comparison impossible.
Wrong adjective-noun match The honest dress. The modest dress.
STRATEGY FOR SAT ADJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. Identify the word being modified – noun or verb?
2. Check for comparisons – how many things are compared?
3. Avoid comparing absolutes (e.g., perfect, dead, unique).
4. Check adjective placement – should be close to the noun.
5. Eliminate choices with incorrect modifiers (good/well, better/best)
