These adjectives restrict a noun or pronoun rather than describing its characteristics or qualities. Limiting adjectives overlap with other types of adjectives such as demonstrative adjectives and possessive adjectives. Limiting adjectives include words such as these, your, and some.

The first types of limiting adjectives are called articles. The words ‘the,’ ‘a,’ and ‘an’ are limiting adjectives because they tell us that the speaker or writer is referring to a specific thing.

For example:

I adopted the dog yesterday.

The phrase ‘the dog’ contains a limiting adjective in the form of the word ‘the’.

Another type of limiting adjective is the possessive adjective. These adjectives are words that show possession. ‘My,’ ‘our,’ ‘its,’ ‘their,’ ‘his,’ ‘her,’ and ‘your’ are possessive adjectives.

For example:

‘The dog chewed up my new sneakers’

The word ‘my’ is a possessive adjective that tells us who owns the shoes.

Examples of Limiting Adjectives:

• That house is very beautiful.
• I have one orange left.
• Bob has two children.
• Paul’s cycle was broken.
• Richard’s dream came true.
• Stark’s father was a brave man.
• I was using her pen.
• He was polishing his shoes.
• Children love their toys.
• My pet is very cute.