Adjectives and adverbs are two parts of speech. Let us find out to which category the word “healthy” belongs.
The word “healthy” is generally used as an adjective by the standard norms of English grammar. As an adjective, it adds attributes to a noun.
Let us delve deep into the concept of “healthy” as an adjective with the help of related facts and examples.
When is “healthy” an adjective?
As we know, the word “ healthy” can function as an adjective in a sentence. Let us find out when “healthy” plays the role of an adjective.
“Healthy” is considered to be an adjective when it precedes a noun it modifies. When the word “healthy” describes the noun, it is qualified to be called an adjective.
The below examples will help you to understand the situations when “healthy” can function as an adjective.
| Examples | Explanations. |
| I am sure that he is a healthy child. | Here the word “healthy” is used as an adjective. It gives attributions to the noun “child”. Thus it is conveyed that the child is in good health. |
| We should teach our children to follow a healthy diet. | Here the word “healthy” is used as an adjective. As an adjective, it describes the noun ‘diet’. |
Is “healthy” a descriptive adjective?
“Healthy” is an adjective that comes in different contexts. Acknowledging this fact, let us examine if “healthy” function as a descriptive adjective.
“Healthy” is a descriptive adjective since it is used to describe the quality of the noun it precedes. It is used directly with the noun. Owing to the meaning of the word “healthy”, it is used in contexts on the description of good health.
The below examples use “healthy” as a descriptive adjective.
| Examples | Explanations. |
| I want him to be a healthy child | Here “healthy” as a descriptive adjective gives us an idea about the health of the child |
| She prefers to stay at home so that she can have healthy food. | Here “healthy” as a descriptive adjective describes the quality of the noun ‘food’ it precedes. |
| I exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body. | “Healthy’’ as a descriptive adjective is used directly with the noun ‘body’ to describe the health of the body. |
| I want to see Ram living a healthy life. | “Healthy” describes the quality of the noun ‘life’. It is also used directly with the noun it describes. Thus it is a descriptive adjective. |
| Freedom to voice our protests is the sign of a healthy democracy. | Here “healthy” is used to describe the noun ‘democracy’. It is a descriptive adjective, used directly with the noun ‘democracy’ to describe the quality of that noun. |
| Blindly following the social media definition of beauty is not a healthy trend. | “Healthy” here, became a descriptive adjective when it is used directly with the noun ‘trend’. |
| The doctors are trying to protect the healthy tissues of the cell. | “Healthy” is said to be a descriptive adjective here when it is used directly with the noun ‘tissues’ to describe that noun. |
Is “healthy” an adverb?
It is certain that “healthy” can function as an adjective. Let us find out if “healthy” is an adverb.
“Healthy” is not an adverb. It does not modify a verb in a formal conversation.
Conclusion
Indeed, it is certain that the word “healthy” functions as an adjective acknowledging the standard rules of grammar.
Hi, My name is Ammu Shaji. I hail from Kerala. I hold a post-graduate degree in English Language and Literature. I am an Academic writer by passion and profession.