"The + adjective"

These are adjectives used as nouns to refer to groups of people.

• The rich often live in large cities.

• The elderly need better healthcare.

• The unemployed are looking for new opportunities.

• The brave never give up.

• The poor face many challenges.

Some adjectives refer to abstract ideas.

The unknown, the impossible, the supernatural, the unexpected

• We shouldn't fear the unknown.

• We must accept the inevitable.

Quick comparison

​In short:
An old person → focuses on age
Elderly person → focuses on politeness
An elder → focuses on respect or wisdom

Pair work - Ranking

• the elderly

• the poor

• the sick

• the unemployed

• the young

• the homeless

use “the + adjective” repeatedly while giving reasons:

• “The poor need more support because…”

• “The young have more opportunities, but…”

• “Which group needs the most government support and why?”

• “Which group has the most power?”

• “Which group has the hardest life?”

​Discuss and rank them