Lesson

Old/nice/interesting

Basic adjective usage

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Adjectives: old / nice / interesting

This lesson focuses on three common adjectives: old, nice and interesting. Learn how to use them before nouns (attributive) and after linking verbs (predicative), and how 'interesting' differs from 'interested'.

  • Adjectives usually come before nouns: a nice report.
  • Adjectives can follow linking verbs: The report is interesting.
  • 'Interesting' (causing interest) ≠ 'interested' (feeling interest).

Table

Using old / nice / interesting

Adjective Use Example
old Attributive & predicative; can mean 'long-standing' before nouns The old building needs renovation.
nice Usually attributive; polite/friendly tone It's nice to meet you.
interesting Describes something that causes interest (not a feeling) The market analysis is interesting.
interested Describes a person who feels interest The client was interested in the proposal.

Tip

Key rule: position and -ing / -ed

Remember where to put adjectives and how to choose -ing vs -ed forms:

  • Before a noun (attributive): a nice summary, an old colleague.
  • After a linking verb (predicative): The summary is nice. The colleague is old.
  • 'Interesting' describes what causes interest; 'interested' describes feelings (use -ed for people who feel something).

Think: attributive = before noun; predicative = after be/feel/seem

Example

Examples in context

The old building needs renovation.

She is an old colleague; we've worked together for ten years.

It's nice to meet you in person.

The client was interested in the proposal.

Tip

Common mistakes

Watch out for typical errors learners make:

  • Placing the adjective after the noun (English usually: before the noun).
  • Using 'interesting' when you mean 'interested' (and vice versa).
  • Translating 'old' as 'ancien/antiguo' incorrectly (meaning may change).
  • Overusing 'nice' in formal business writing—choose precise adjectives (useful, helpful, efficient).

In English adjectives do not change for gender/number; do not add -s.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Use -ed for feelings (interested).

Quiz

Complete: The presentation ___ (be) ___ (interesting) to the board. (use past simple)

Hint: Past of 'to be' + adjective

Quiz

Choose the sentence that correctly shows someone's feeling of interest:

Hint: Think: who feels the interest? use -ed for that person.