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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I'm trying to be more adventurous with my cooking.
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I wonder who sent this anonymous letter.
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My first attempt at baking was disastrous.
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Elephants are enormous.
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Spotted dresses look fabulous in the summer.
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The new building was to be designed by a famous architect.
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The charity received a generous donation.
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He warned the hikers that it would be a hazardous climb.
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She has a very jealous boyfriend.
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The birth of their baby was a joyous occasion.
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He has made a miraculous recovery.
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Puck is a mischievous fairy.
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Their wedding will be a momentous occasion.
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A large part of Austria is mountainous.
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I am nervous about the test.
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He has had numerous offers of employment.
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The film star is marrying a prosperous banker.
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I missed my lunch and now I'm ravenous.
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She thought his idea was ridiculous.
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The thunder made a tremendous noise.
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