Adjectives as nouns

​"Adjectives as nouns"

By Beatriz Maldonado

"The + adjective"

These are adjectives used as nouns to refer to groups of people.

• The rich often live in large cities.

• The elderly need better healthcare.

• The unemployed are looking for new opportunities.

• The brave never give up.

• The poor face many challenges.

Multiple Choice

Which example is correct?

• The rich are not always happy.

• The rich is not always happy.

Some adjectives refer to abstract ideas.

The unknown, the impossible, the supernatural, the unexpected

• We shouldn't fear the unknown.

• We must accept the inevitable.

Multiple Choice

Which of these are correct?

• The poors need help.

• The rich are powerful.

• The youngs are studying.

Multiple Choice

Which of these are correct?

• The homeless people should receive more aid.

• Homeless people should receive more aid.

Quick comparison

​In short:
An old person → focuses on age
Elderly person → focuses on politeness
An elder → focuses on respect or wisdom

Open Ended

Who said that?
“We need more time to relax and enjoy life!”

Open Ended

Who said that?
“Money can’t buy happiness.”

Open Ended

Who said that?
“Finding a job is harder than ever.”

Open Ended

Who said that?
“We deserve more respect and better healthcare.”

Open Ended

Who said that?
“We can change the world if we work together!”

Pair work - Ranking

• the elderly

• the poor

• the sick

• the unemployed

• the young

• the homeless

use “the + adjective” repeatedly while giving reasons:

• “The poor need more support because…”

• “The young have more opportunities, but…”

• “Which group needs the most government support and why?”

• “Which group has the most power?”

• “Which group has the hardest life?”

​Discuss and rank them