Prepare for the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations, to increase your readiness and confidence for the test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


In grammar, what does an adjective typically describe?

  1. A noun

  2. A verb

  3. An entire sentence

  4. An adverb

The correct answer is: A noun

An adjective typically describes a noun by providing additional information about it, such as its qualities, quantities, or characteristics. For instance, in the phrase "the tall building," the adjective "tall" gives more insight into the noun "building." Adjectives help to create a more vivid picture in the reader's or listener's mind by detailing aspects like color, size, shape, and other descriptors that are essential for understanding the noun better. This role distinguishes adjectives clearly from other parts of speech, such as verbs, which describe actions or states, or adverbs, which modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Adjectives do not typically describe entire sentences either; this function is more aligned with adverbial phrases or clauses. Understanding the specific function of adjectives helps in improving sentence structure and enhancing clarity in communication.