Adjectives without nouns. The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed.
How it works
The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed. These expressions normally take plural agreement and do not add -s to the adjective. An individual needs a noun, such as an unemployed person. Abstract expressions such as the unknown can be singular in meaning.
Examples in context
Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.
The unemployed need extra support.
The rich should help the poor.
She is an elderly person.
The injured were taken to hospital.
We fear the unknown.
Your progress
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Completed sentence: The unemployed need extra support. The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed. These expressions normally take plural agreement and do not add -s to the adjective. An individual needs a noun, such as an unemployed person. Abstract expressions such as the unknown can be singular in meaning.
The rich should help ___.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: the poor
Completed sentence: The rich should help the poor. The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed. These expressions normally take plural agreement and do not add -s to the adjective. An individual needs a noun, such as an unemployed person. Abstract expressions such as the unknown can be singular in meaning.
She is ___ person.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: an elderly
Completed sentence: She is an elderly person. The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed. These expressions normally take plural agreement and do not add -s to the adjective. An individual needs a noun, such as an unemployed person. Abstract expressions such as the unknown can be singular in meaning.
The injured ___ taken to hospital.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: were
Completed sentence: The injured were taken to hospital. The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed. These expressions normally take plural agreement and do not add -s to the adjective. An individual needs a noun, such as an unemployed person. Abstract expressions such as the unknown can be singular in meaning.
We fear ___ unknown.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: the
Completed sentence: We fear the unknown. The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed. These expressions normally take plural agreement and do not add -s to the adjective. An individual needs a noun, such as an unemployed person. Abstract expressions such as the unknown can be singular in meaning.
Question 1 of 50% complete
The unemployed ___ extra support.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: need
Completed sentence: The unemployed need extra support. The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed. These expressions normally take plural agreement and do not add -s to the adjective. An individual needs a noun, such as an unemployed person. Abstract expressions such as the unknown can be singular in meaning.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: the poor
Completed sentence: The rich should help the poor. The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed. These expressions normally take plural agreement and do not add -s to the adjective. An individual needs a noun, such as an unemployed person. Abstract expressions such as the unknown can be singular in meaning.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: an elderly
Completed sentence: She is an elderly person. The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed. These expressions normally take plural agreement and do not add -s to the adjective. An individual needs a noun, such as an unemployed person. Abstract expressions such as the unknown can be singular in meaning.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: were
Completed sentence: The injured were taken to hospital. The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed. These expressions normally take plural agreement and do not add -s to the adjective. An individual needs a noun, such as an unemployed person. Abstract expressions such as the unknown can be singular in meaning.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: the
Completed sentence: We fear the unknown. The + adjective can refer collectively to a group of people: the rich, the unemployed. These expressions normally take plural agreement and do not add -s to the adjective. An individual needs a noun, such as an unemployed person. Abstract expressions such as the unknown can be singular in meaning.
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