Adjectives

An adjective modifies a noun or a pronoun by describing, identifying, or quantifying words. An adjective usually precedes the noun or the pronoun which it modifies. An adjective can be modified by an adverb, or by a phrase or clause

.Possessive Adjectives
A possessive adjective ("my," "your," "his," "her," "its," "our," "their") is similar or identical to a possessive pronoun; however, it is used as an adjective and modifies a noun or a noun phrase, as in the following sentences: I can't complete my assignment because I don't have the textbook. In this sentence, the possessive adjective "my" modifies "assignment" and the noun phrase "my assignment" functions as an object. Note that the possessive pronoun form "mine" is not used to modify a noun or noun phrase. What is your phone number. Here the possessive adjective "your" is used to modify the noun phrase "phone number"; the entire noun phrase "your phone number" is a subject complement. Note that the possessive pronoun form "yours" is not used to modify a noun or a noun phrase. The bakery sold his favorite type of bread. In this example, the possessive adjective "his" modifies the noun phrase "favorite type of bread" and the entire noun phrase "his favourite type of bread" is the direct object of the verb "sold."

Demonstrative Adjectives
The demonstrative adjectives "this," "these," "that," "those," and "what" are identical to the demonstrative pronouns, but are used as adjectives to modify nouns or noun phrases, as in the following sentences: When the librarian tripped over that cord, she dropped a pile of books. In this sentence, the demonstrative adjective "that" modifies the noun "cord" and the noun phrase "that cord" is the object of the preposition "over." This apartment needs to be fumigated. Here "this" modifies "apartment" and the noun phrase "this apartment" is the subject of the sentence. Even though my friend preferred those plates, I bought these. In the subordinate clause, "those" modifies "plates" and the noun phrase "those plates" is the object of the verb "preferred." In the independent, "these" is the direct object of the verb "bought."

Note that the relationship between a demonstrative adjective and a demonstrative pronoun is similar to the relationship between a possessive adjective and a possessive pronoun, or to that between a interrogative adjective and an interrogative pronoun.

Interrogative Adjectives
An interrogative adjective ("which" or "what") is like an interrogative pronoun, except that it modifies a noun or noun phrase rather than standing on its own (see also demonstrative adjectives and possessive adjectives): Which plants should be watered twice a week? Like other adjectives, "which" can be used to modify a noun or a noun phrase. In this example, "which" modifies "plants" and the noun phrase "which plants" is the subject of the compound verb "should be watered": What book are you reading? In this sentence, "what" modifies "book" and the noun phrase "what book" is the direct object of the compound verb "are reading."

Indefinite Adjectives
An indefinite adjective is similar to an indefinite pronoun, except that it modifies a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase, as in the following sentences: Many people believe that corporations are under-taxed. The indefinite adjective "many" modifies the noun "people" and the noun phrase "many people" is the subject of the sentence. I will send you any mail that arrives after you have moved to Sudbury. The indefinite adjective "any" modifies the noun "mail" and the noun phrase "any mail" is the direct object of the compound verb "will send." They found a few goldfish floating belly up in the swan pound. In this example the indefinite adjective modifies the noun "goldfish" and the noun phrase is the direct object of the verb "found": The title of Kelly's favorite game is "All dogs go to heaven." Here the indefinite pronoun "all" modifies "dogs" and the full title is a subject complement.

Figures Of Speech

A figure of speech is a rhetorical device that achieves a special effect by using words in distinctive ways. Though there are hundreds of figures of speech (many of them included in our (Tool Kit for Rhetorical Analysis), here we'll focus on just 20 of the most common figures. You will probably remember many of these terms from your English classes. Figurative language is often associated with literature--and with poetry in particular. But the fact is, whether we're conscious of it or not, we use figures of speech every day in our own writing and conversations. For example, common expressions such as "falling in love," "racking our brains," "hitting a sales target," and "climbing the ladder of success" are all metaphors--the most pervasive figure of all. Likewise, we rely on similes when making explicit comparisons ("light as a feather") and hyperbole to emphasize a point ("I'm starving!"). Using original figures of speech in our writing is a way to convey meanings in fresh, unexpected ways. Figures can help our readers understand and stay interested in what we have to say. For advice on creating figures of speech, 1. Alliteration The repetition of an initial consonant sound or also called front rhyme, has been traditionally more acceptable in prose than end-rhyme but both do the same thing--capitalize on chance. This powerful glue can connect elements without logical relationship. "You'll never put a better bit of butter on your knife." "a peck of pickled peppers." 2. Anaphora The repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses. (Contrast with epiphora and epistrophe.) I needed a drink, I needed a lot of life insurance, I needed a vacation, I needed a home in the country. What I had was a coat, a hat and a gun." (Raymond Chandler, Farewell, My Lovely, 1940) I'm not afraid to die. I'm not afraid to live. I'm not afraid to fail. I'm not afraid to succeed. I'm not afraid to fall in love. I'm not afraid to be alone. I'm just afraid I might have to stop talking about myself for five minutes. (Kinky Friedman, When the Cat's Away, 1988) 3. Antithesis The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases. It is clear that in every simile there is

present both differences and likenesses, and both are a part of its effect. By ignoring differences, we find a simile and may perhaps find an antithesis in the same event, by ignoring likeness. Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing. You're easy on the eyes, Hard on the heart.
4. Assonance Identity or similarity in sound between internal vowels in neighboring words. The repetition of

identical or similar vowel sounds in neighboring words. I must confess that in my quest I felt depressed and restless. The setting sun was licking the hard bright machine like some great invisible beast on its knees.
5. Hyperbole An extravagant statement; the use of exaggerated terms for the purpose of emphasis or heightened effect.

 He snorted and hit me in the solar plexus. Your father is so low he has to look up to tie his shoes. I was helpless. I did not know what in the world to do. I was quaking from head to foot, and could have hung my hat on my eyes, they stuck out so far.
6. Irony

The use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; a statement or situation where the meaning is contradicted by the appearance or presentation of the idea.

Lyn Cassady: It's okay, you can "attack" me. Bob Wilton: What's with the quotation fingers? It's like saying

7. Litotes A figure of speech consisting of an understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite. Now we have a refuge to go to. A refuge that the Cylons know nothing about! It won't be

an easy journey.
8. Metaphor An implied comparison between two unlike things that actually have something important in common.

"The streets were a furnace, the sun an executioner." "But my heart is a lonely hunter that hunts on a lonely hill."
9. Metonymy A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated; also, the rhetorical strategy of describing something indirectly by referring to things around it. Fear gives wings. Detroit is still hard at work on an SUV that runs on rain forest trees and panda blood. 10. Onomatopoeia The use of words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.

Chug, chug, chug. Puff, puff, puff. Ding-dong, ding-dong. The little train rumbled over the tracks. Brrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinng! An alarm clock clanged in the dark and silent room. Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is.
11. Paradox A statement that appears to contradict itself. The swiftest traveler is he that goes afoot. If you wish to preserve your secret, wrap it up in frankness. 12. Personification A figure of speech in which an inanimate object or abstraction is endowed with human qualities or abilities. "Fear knocked on the door. Faith answered. There was no one there." "Good morning, America, how are you?

Don't you know me I'm your native son.

13. Pun A play on words, sometimes on different senses of the same word and sometimes on the similar sense or sound of different words.

"What food these morsels be!" "American Home has an edifice complex."

14. Simile A stated comparison (usually formed with "like" or "as") between two fundamentally dissimilar things that have certain qualities in common. Good coffee is like friendship: rich and warm and strong. You know life, life is rather like opening a tin of sardines. We're all of us looking for the key." 15. Synecdoche A figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole (for example, ABCs for alphabet) or the whole for a part ("England won the World Cup in 1966").

The sputtering economy could make the difference if you're trying to get a deal on a new set of wheels."All hands on deck. "Take thy face hence."9/11

IDIOMS
Idioms
is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made.. 1.She was tickled pink by the good news. Made very happy 2. You were hands down the best player on the team. There was no competition 3. I've been feeling pretty down in the dumps lately. Sad or depressed 4. I'm feeling sick as a dog! Very sick 5. I've been feeling under the weather. Not well 6. Rise and shine! Wake up and be happy! 7. Close, but no cigar. You were very close, but you did not make it. 8. I could play outside till the cows come home. For a very long time 9. Wow! It's raining cats and dogs out there! Very hard rain 10. That sound is driving me up the wall! Making me very annoyed 11. This assignment is a piece of cake. Very easy 12. Although he broke the rules, he was only given a slap on the wrist. A mild punishment 13. Yikes! This shirt costs an arm and a leg. It is extremely expensive. 14. No, I was just pulling your leg.

 Just joking 15. It's Greek to me! I don't understand. 16. Keep your chin up. Be happy. 17. Hold your horses. Be patient. 18. We're all in the same boat. All of us are in the same position. 19. He's a bit of a loose cannon. Unpredictable 20. I will clean my room when pigs fly. Never