Gradable vs non-gradable adjectives Exercises in Swahili language

Understanding the nuances of adjectives is essential for mastering any language, and Swahili is no exception. In Swahili, adjectives can be categorized into two main types: gradable and non-gradable. Gradable adjectives describe qualities that can vary in intensity or degree, such as "nzuri" (good) and "kubwa" (big). These adjectives can be modified using comparative or superlative forms to express different levels of intensity, allowing you to convey subtleties in meaning. For instance, "nzuri zaidi" means "better" and "nzuri sana" means "very good." On the other hand, non-gradable adjectives describe absolute qualities that do not vary in degree, such as "muhimu" (important) and "kamili" (complete). These adjectives cannot be modified by comparatives or superlatives because their meanings are already at an extreme or absolute level. Understanding the difference between these two types of adjectives is crucial for effective communication in Swahili, as it helps you choose the right words to accurately express your thoughts and emotions. Through the following exercises, you will practice identifying and using both gradable and non-gradable adjectives, enhancing your proficiency in Swahili.

Exercise 1

<p>1. Hii chai ni *moto* sana (adjective for high temperature).</p> <p>2. Watoto walikuwa *wengi* uwanjani (adjective for large quantity).</p> <p>3. Samaki wa baharini ni *kubwa* (adjective for large size).</p> <p>4. Chakula hiki ni *tamu* sana (adjective for good taste).</p> <p>5. Juma ni *mrefu* kuliko kaka yake (adjective for height).</p> <p>6. Hewa ya asubuhi ni *safi* (adjective for cleanliness).</p> <p>7. Miti ya msituni ni *mirefu* (adjective for height).</p> <p>8. Hali ya hewa leo ni *nzuri* (adjective for good condition).</p> <p>9. Nyumba yao ni *nzuri* sana (adjective for attractiveness).</p> <p>10. Sahani hii ni *nzito* kuliko ile (adjective for weight).</p>

Exercise 2

<p>1. The weather is *freezing* today, you should wear a coat (very cold).</p> <p>2. This cake is *delicious*, everyone loves it (very tasty).</p> <p>3. The concert last night was *amazing*, I had so much fun (extremely good).</p> <p>4. Her dress is *beautiful*, she looks stunning (very pretty).</p> <p>5. The movie was *horrible*, I wouldn't recommend it (very bad).</p> <p>6. The new building is *huge*, it covers an entire block (very large).</p> <p>7. This puzzle is *impossible* to solve, I've tried everything (cannot be done).</p> <p>8. The soup is *boiling*, be careful (very hot).</p> <p>9. His behavior was *unacceptable*, he must apologize (not acceptable).</p> <p>10. The landscape here is *magnificent*, you should take a photo (very beautiful).</p>

Exercise 3

<p>1. The weather today is *extremely* hot (intensifier for very high temperature).</p> <p>2. This soup is *absolutely* delicious (intensifier used with non-gradable adjective).</p> <p>3. The mountain is *very* tall (intensifier for a gradable adjective describing height).</p> <p>4. She is *completely* exhausted after the marathon (intensifier for non-gradable adjective describing extreme tiredness).</p> <p>5. The movie was *quite* interesting (intensifier for a gradable adjective describing interest).</p> <p>6. This task is *totally* impossible to complete in one day (intensifier for non-gradable adjective describing inability).</p> <p>7. The book is *really* good (intensifier for a gradable adjective describing quality).</p> <p>8. The room is *absolutely* spotless (intensifier for non-gradable adjective describing cleanliness).</p> <p>9. His performance was *very* impressive (intensifier for a gradable adjective describing performance).</p> <p>10. The cake was *utterly* disgusting (intensifier for non-gradable adjective describing taste).</p>

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