Describing words add information — Language, 4–6
Some words tell you more about a thing, person or animal. They help you notice which one someone means.
What describing words do
A describing word adds a feature to a person, animal or thing: a small cup, a noisy dog or a cold apple. It helps you make a clearer picture or choose the right one. The word does not replace the thing; it gives you another clue.
Why we need them
Saying ball may not be enough when there are three balls on the floor. Saying the red, soft ball gives the listener a way to find the one you mean. People began using such details because speaking and writing have to work even when others cannot see exactly what we see.
Choosing the right cup
Imagine two cups on a table: one blue and tall, one yellow and short. First, name the thing: cup. Next, add the feature that separates them: blue, tall cup. If your friend picks the yellow one, add another clue: the blue, tall cup beside the plate.
The trap: every word is not a describing word
You may think every word in a phrase describes something, because all the words help the message. In a red hat, red describes the hat, but hat names the thing. That is a sensible mix-up: words often work as a team, even though they do different jobs.
Finding and sorting things
You use describing words when you ask for the large spoon, sort clean socks from dirty ones or tell someone which flower you saw. At home, in a shop or outside, these words save time when several things are alike. Use only the clues that really help.
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