epithet, we mean one calling to mind a
quality known (or supposed) to belong to the noun, as--

No perdio el aliento el valiente general: The brave general did not lose
courage.

By a distinguishing word we mean one used to indicate the quality of a
noun as compared with another of the same species, as--

Quiero comprar maquinaria barata: I wish to buy cheap machinery.

The Partitive Adjectives "some" and "any" are left out in translation
when they do not convey the idea of limited quantity. When they do,
"algun," "un poco de" (_sing._), "algunos" and "unos" (_pl._) are used.

"Un poco de" and "unos" convey the idea of a more limited quantity or
number than "alguno" and "algunos."

The following few examples are calculated to make it clear as regards
the various shades of meaning--

?Tiene V. alfombras? Have you any carpets?

Tengo algun azucar para vender: I have some sugar to sell.

?Quiere V. un poco de papel? Will you have some paper?

Yo tengo algunas obligaciones: I have some debentures.

He recibido algunos cigarros, le reservare unas cajas de los mejores: I
received some cigars; I shall reserve for you some boxes of the best
quality.

One adjective preceding two or more nouns agrees in gender and number
with the first only, as--

La nueva caldera y accesorios gusto (_or_ gustaron) mucho al cliente:
The new boiler and accessories pleased the customer very much.

N.B.--If a verb intervenes the adjective is generally plural, and in
case of different genders is pl. masc., as--

Adjuntos remitimos factura y conocimiento: Enclosed we send invoice and
bill of lading.

When the adjective follows two or more nouns, it is put in the plural,
as--

El trigo y el maiz estan sostenidos: Wheat and maize are firm.

If the nouns are of different genders, the adjective is pl. masc., as--

El encaje y las guarniciones han salido caros: The lace and trimmings
came out dear.

EXCEPTION--

When all the several nouns preceding the adjective are in the plural,
and all referring to things (not persons), the adjective _may_ be made
to agree in gender with the noun last mentioned, as--

Los tornillos y las tuercas estan bien ajustados (_or_ ajustadas): The
screws and nuts are well adjusted. It is better to avoid this
construction

(1) By saying "las tuercas y los tornillos estan bien ajustados."

(2) By using an adjective having the same termination for masculine and
feminine.

(3) By giving a different