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
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.
