Section outline

  • Adjective of Number indicates the number or order of countable nouns.

    Examples:

    five  children, ten books, several people, forty thieves, etc.

    Features:

    1. It answers the question 'how many or in what order'.
    2. It provides clarity on quantity or sequence.
    3. It makes descriptions more precise.

    There are three types of adjectives of number:

    1. Definite Numeral Adjectives:

    They indicate the exact number or position of the person or thing.

    There are two types:

    a. Cardinal Adjectives:

      • It shows exact number.
      • Eg: Ten boys, five pens.
      • It answers the question 'how many'.

    b. Ordinal Adjectives:

      • It shows exact position.
      • Eg: first prize, second seat, fifth boy, etc.
      • It answers the question 'in what order'.
    2. Indefinite Numeral Adjectives:

    They refer a quantity of countable noun which is not exact in number.

    Examples:

    Few people, several books, etc.

    3. Distributive Numeral Adjectives:

    They refer nouns as individual members of a whole group.

    Examples:

    Each student, every paper, etc.