You’re probably aware that proper nouns are words that name a specific person, object, or place. You probably also know that proper nouns are always capitalized. But did you know that adjectives are sometimes proper, too? Read on to find out more about proper adjectives.
What are Proper Adjectives?
The vast majority of adjectives are common adjectives just as the majority of nouns are common nouns. Neither common adjectives nor common nouns begin with a capital letter.
When an adjective has its roots as a proper noun, it is said to be a proper adjective. Just like a proper noun, proper adjectives always begin with a capital letter.
For example, the noun country is a common noun but the word Italy is proper. Consider the following sentence:
In this case the word Italian is a proper adjective because it has its origin in the proper noun Italy. Proper adjectives are often used to explicitly describe something. They also make writing clearer and more succinct. Look at the sentences below.
The drama club performed the play Macbeth which was written by Shakespeare.
The drama club performed the Shakespearian play Macbeth.
The second sentence uses a proper adjective Shakespearian to convey clear meaning in few words.
The Canadian prime minister is visiting the White House.
The prime minister who currently holds office in Canada is visiting the White House.
See the difference?
Examples of Proper Adjectives
In the following sentences the proper adjectives are italicized. The proper nouns from which they originate are in parentheses.
Proper Adjectives Example: The Chinese noodles are in the kitchen pantry. (China)
Proper Adjectives Example: Italian cream cake is extremely rich yet delicious. (Italy)
Proper Adjectives Example: Japanese robes are called kimonos. (Japan)
Proper Adjectives Example: African dance is rhythmic as well as symbolic. (Africa)
Proper Adjectives Example: Russian caviar is a delicacy. (Russia)
Proper Adjectives Example: German cars are among the finest. (Germany)
Proper Adjectives Example: Did French fries really originate in France? (France)
Proper Adjectives Example: The band plays Christian music. (Christ)
Proper Adjectives Example: The English Parliament is in session. (England)
Proper Adjectives Example: Chinese culture peaked during the Ming Dynasty. (China, Ming)
Proper Adjectives Example: Political scandal erupted during the Nixon era. (Nixon)
Proper Adjectives Example: The candidate favors a Jeffersonian democracy. (Jefferson)
Proper Adjectives Example: Alaskan salmon is nutritious and delicious. (Alaska)
Proper Adjectives Example: Jill is looking forward to Hawaiian dance class. (Hawaii)
Proper Adjectives Example: We enjoyed strolling through the quaint French villages.
Proper Adjectives Example: The dress was designed with a Victorian influence.
Proper Adjectives Example: The architecture was decidedly Georgian.
Proper Adjectives Example: Our vacation plans include exploring the Mexican ruins.
In some cases you can convert proper nouns into proper adjectives simply by adding suffixes –ian, -an, or –esque to proper nouns. In other cases, the spelling of the proper noun isn’t changed at all as in Hollywood stars, or Texas poker. In any event, proper adjectives are among the easiest to recognize and form. Use them for explicit and specific descriptions in your writing.