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Numerical Adjective: These adjectives are often regarded as adjectives of number that denote the number of nouns or their place or position in a certain order. It represents the exact number of nouns or pronouns with their position or place. It is used with the countable nouns. In this blog, we will discuss the definition of numerical adjectives. Also, we will view at some interesting examples and questions to help you understand numerical adjective and its types.
This Blog Includes:
What is Numerical Adjective?
A Numerical Adjective is a type of adjective that indicates the number or position of a noun in a sequence. It provides information about how many or in what order something appears.
Numerical adjectives are commonly used in everyday speech, academic writing, and official documents to express clear and precise numerical information. They help in structuring sentences logically, especially when listing items, ranking achievements, or specifying quantities. Unlike nouns, numerical adjectives do not stand alone; they always modify a noun.
For example:
- I have two dogs. (Cardinal)
- She is the first person to arrive. (Ordinal)
Thus, numerical adjectives play a crucial role in conveying numerical details effectively in communication.
Different Kinds of Numerical Adjectives
As you have understood the definition of numerical adjectives, let’s delve deep to understand the types of adjectives of numbers.
Numerical Adjectives are of two types:
- Definite Numerical Adjectives
- Indefinite Numerical Adjectives
Learn More About Adjective: Definition, Usage, Example, Forms, and Types here!
Definite Numerical Adjectives
Definite numerical adjectives as the name denotes represent the exact number of nouns or pronouns. For example, three, four, seven, fourth, fifth. Definite Numerals are further divided into three types:
- Cardinals denote numbers (five, six, seven)
- Ordinals denote position (first, second, third)
- Multiplications denote the multiplication of a noun (single, double, triple)
| Numerical Adjectives | Cardinal/Ordinal/Multiplicative | Examples |
| One | Cardinal | She has only one pen for the test. |
| Fifty | Cardinal | There are fifty members in the organization. |
| Second | Ordinal | She stood second in the class. |
| Eighth | Ordinal | This is my eighth book. |
| Triple | Multiplicative | You will get triple benefit after investing in this plan. |
| Double | Multiplicative | She has doubled her income by working hard in the IT company. |
Quick Read: What are Comparative and Superlative Adjectives? Everything You Need to Know
Indefinite Numerical Adjectives
Indefinite numerical adjectives are words that do not show the exact number. They imply the indefinite numbers. For example, all, some, many, few, several any, little, etc.
| Indefinite Numerical Adjectives | Examples |
| Some | She has bought some apples. |
| Any | Do you have any queries? |
| Few | She has read few books. |
| several | There are several questions in this exercise. |
| Little | There is little water in the jug. |
Difference Between Numerical and Quantitative Adjective
Numerical and Quantitative adjectives both describe quantity, but they differ in how they express it. Numerical adjectives specify an exact number or position, while Quantitative adjectives indicate an indefinite amount.
The table below highlights the key differences between these two types of adjectives for better understanding.
| Numerical Adjective | Quantitative Adjective |
| Specifies an exact number or position of a noun. | Indicates an indefinite or approximate quantity. |
| Cardinal (one, two) and Ordinal (first, second). | No specific types, including words like some, few, many |
| Exact and specific | General and non-specific |
| Used for counting or ranking | Used to describe an approximate quantity |
| She has three apples. (Cardinal) He is the first to arrive. (Ordinal) | She has some apples. He has little patience. |
Exercise on Numerical Adjectives
Identify suitable numerical adjectives in the following sentences:
1 Every creature is selfish by nature.
2 There is little milk left in the jug.
3. Rohan stood third in the class.
4. My mother has bought some mangoes.
5. There are a few flowers in the garden.
6. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
7. Do you have any suggestions for me?
8. Each house in this colony is well-furnished.
9. There are enough tickets for playing the tombola.
10. Many students were late today.
Answers
Match your answers with the solved exercise:
1 Every creature is selfish by nature.
2 There is little milk left in the jug.
3. Rohan stood third in the class.
4. My mother has bought some mangoes.
5. There are a few flowers in the garden.
6. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
7. Do you have any suggestions for me?
8. Each house in this colony is well-furnished.
9. There are enough tickets for playing the tambola.
10. Many students were late today.
FAQs
Ans Numerical Adjectives refer to the exact number of nouns or the certain position or place of a noun in the sentence. For example, there are twenty toffees in my bag.
Ans There are two different kinds of numerical adjectives:
Definite Numerical Adjectives
Indefinite Numerical Adjectives.
Ans Some examples of definite adjectives are first, second, six, seven, sixth, ninth, triple, double, etc.
Explore more Exciting Reads on Adjectives Here!
| Types of Adjectives | |
| Descriptive Adjectives | Demonstrative Adjectives |
| Interrogative Adjectives | Numerical Adjectives |
| Possessive Adjectives | Proper Adjectives |
| Article Adjectives | Quantifier Adjectives |
| Compound Adjectives | Predicative Adjectives |
| Attributive Adjectives | Comparative Adjectives |
| Superlative Adjectives | Degree of Comparision |
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Amanpreet Kaur
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