ADJECTIVE USED AS NOUN

ADJECTIVE USED AS NOUN

Adjectives are often used as nouns.

1.     As plural nouns denoting a class of persons; as- the rich (=rich people), the wicked (=wicked people)

2.     As singular nouns denoting some abstract quality; as- the future (= futurity) beautiful (=beautiful in general)

3.     Some adjectives actually become nouns, and are hence  used in both numbers:-

i.                   Those derived from proper nouns as- Australians, Canadians.

ii.                 Some denoting persons as- juniors, seniors, mortals, inferiors, superiors

iii.              A few denoting things generally as- secrets, totals, solids

4.     In certain phrases as- in future, in short, before long, at present, for good.

Example:

The rich know not how the poor live.

The future is unknown to us.

In future I shall charge you for medical advice.

Before long, he will be appointed to a higher post.

He has left India for good.

We can’t arrive before Saturday at best.

I must have your terms down in black and white.

I am afraid the young man is going from bad to worse.