Explore this spelling list: Adjectives ending in ous. This word list provides interactive resources to boost your spelling skills. Click on Learn, Games, Test, Print, or Write to explore all the available spelling tools.
There are two ways of spelling the schwa in the us sound when it falls at the end of a word: us and ous.
Fortunately there is an easy trick to help you remember when to use which spelling pattern:
The spelling pattern us is used for people, places, or things; like in the words cactus, fungus, or octopus.
The ous ending, on the hand, is used for descriptive words like poisonous, jealous, and enormous.
Adjectives ending in ous are commonly used in English to describe being full of or possessing the quality of a base word. For example, ambitious means being full of ambition and curious means possessing the quality of curiosity.
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adventurous |
I'm trying to be more adventurous with my cooking.
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anonymous |
I wonder who sent this anonymous letter.
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disastrous |
My first attempt at baking was disastrous.
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enormous |
Elephants are enormous.
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fabulous |
Spotted dresses look fabulous in the summer.
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famous |
The new building was to be designed by a famous architect.
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generous |
The charity received a generous donation.
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hazardous |
He warned the hikers that it would be a hazardous climb.
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jealous |
She has a very jealous boyfriend.
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joyous |
The birth of their baby was a joyous occasion.
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miraculous |
He has made a miraculous recovery.
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mischievous |
Puck is a mischievous fairy.
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momentous |
Their wedding will be a momentous occasion.
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mountainous |
A large part of Austria is mountainous.
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nervous |
I am nervous about the test.
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numerous |
He has had numerous offers of employment.
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prosperous |
The film star is marrying a prosperous banker.
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ravenous |
I missed my lunch and now I'm ravenous.
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ridiculous |
She thought his idea was ridiculous.
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tremendous |
The thunder made a tremendous noise.
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Learn more about these words in the Spellzone Main Course: Unit 29. Word ending: -ous
Learn this spelling list using the 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check' activity.
How to use:
Look and read the word.
Say the word. Click the speaker icon.
Cover the word.
Write the word.
Check your spelling.
Spelling games using the word list: Adjectives ending in ous
Bouncing Baubles
Christmas spelling!
Spelling Snowball
Winter spelling fun!
Egg Hunt
Crack the eggs!
Word Search, small
The classic English word game.
Against the Clock
Spelling 'against the clock'.
Mayan Temple
Try the temple spelling puzzle.
Monkey Business
It's bananas!
Test yourself using the 'Listen and Spell' spelling test.
Print spelling worksheets and activities: Adjectives ending in ous
Handwriting worksheets: Adjectives ending in ous
This word list was created by Spellzone. View more Spellzone course lists or curriculum word lists.
One of the students has put in a huge amount of effort in completing Spellzone at least 3 times a week since his arrival with us in January. Looking at his scores after the latest GL testing, his standardised score has risen from 99 to 131. This is a truly phenomenal result. I just wanted to share the best result I have ever seen.
Terrie Penrose-Toms, Casterton College
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