A proper adjective is a describing word taken from a proper noun. A proper adjective is always capitalized – in the same way that a proper noun is always capitalized. Here are some examples:
Proper noun: America
I was born in America.
Proper adjective: American
I am an American citizen. The adjective American modifies citizen.
Proper noun: China
I am traveling to China.
Proper adjective: Chinese
I want to learn about Chinese culture. The adjective Chinese modifies culture.
A proper adjective modifies a noun just like other adjectives. However, a proper adjective is always capitalized because it is derived from a proper noun.
It’s your turn. Can you find the proper adjective in this sentence? I visited France so that I could study French cooking. Did you figure out which capitalized word describes a noun? Good for you!