Distinguishing Gradable & Non-gradable Adjectives

Key Difference – Gradable vs Non-gradable Adjectives
 
Adjectives are used to describe various qualities or characteristics of nouns. Some of these qualities can differ in intensity or grade. An adjective’s grade or modification can be changed by placing an adverb in front of it. Gradable adjectives are adjectives that can be modified in this manner, while non-gradable adjectives are the adjectives that cannot be modified. This is the primary difference between gradable and non-gradable adjectives.

What are Gradable Adjectives?

Gradable adjectives can be modified – made weaker, stronger or altered – by placing adverb(s) in front of them. These adjectives can be measured in degrees, such as size, age, beauty, etc. Examples of grading adverbs include very, extremely, a little, a bit, dreadfully, fairly, hugely, immensely, intensely, rather, reasonably, slightly, and unusually. Gradable adjectives can also be used with comparative and superlative forms, such as big, bigger, biggest, and hot, hotter, hottest.

What are Non-gradable Adjectives?

Non-gradable adjectives cannot be modified by adverbs. They describe qualities that are either completely present or completely absent and cannot be used with comparative and superlative forms. Examples of non-gradable adjectives include impossible, dead, nuclear, electronic, southern, western, freezing, boiling, etc. Non-gradable adjectives are sometimes used with non-grading adverbs such as absolutely and completely to emphasize the quality. Some adjectives can be used as both gradable and non-gradable adjectives.

What is the difference between Gradable and Non-gradable Adjectives?

• Modification: Gradable adjectives can be modified by placing adverbs in front of them, while non-gradable adjectives cannot be modified in this way.
• Qualities: Gradable adjectives describe qualities that can be measured in degrees, such as age and size. In contrast, non-gradable adjectives describe qualities that are either completely present or completely absent.
• Adverbs: Gradable adjectives can be used with grading adverbs, while non-gradable adjectives can be used with non-grading adverbs.
• Comparative and Superlative Forms: Gradable adjectives can be turned into comparative and superlative forms, while non-gradable adjectives cannot be turned into these forms.