5.4 Adjective Phrases (AdjP)
5.4 Adjective Phrases (AdjP)
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An adjective phrase is a phrase the head of which is an adjective.
A. The Position of AdjPs:
A. The Position of AdjPs:
Adjectives can conclude the phrase (e.g. very happy), initiate the phrase (e.g. fond of steak), or appear in a medial position (e.g. quite upset about it).
Let's look at some examples:
End position: (most common)
very happy
far too serious
the most important
2. Initial position:
fond [of steak]. adj. + PP: adjective complement
faster [than a speeding bullet] adj. + PP: adjective complement
3. Medial position:
quite upset [about it]
quite small but expensive
B. The Functions of AdjPs: ⭐️
B. The Functions of AdjPs: ⭐️
Depending on the position of an djective phrase in relation to the noun that it modifies, it can be either attributive or predicative.
If an AdjP precedes the noun of an NP, then it is attributive.
e.g. a very happy man, the fortunate person, the lucky dog
If an AdjP follows a linking verb (often a 'be' verb) and describes the preceding subject, then it is predicative.
e.g. The man is very happy. AdjP: SP
That person is fortunate. AdjP: SP
The dog is so lucky. AdjP: SP
Be = am, is, are, was, were, to be, being, been
C. Connections to Writing:
C. Connections to Writing:
Excessive use of adjective phrases (qualifier + adj.) can make your writing wordy. Try to replace an AdjP with a single adjective that is concise and clear.
Examples:
1a) Anna Karenina is a somewhat admirable character.
1b) Better: Anna Karenina is an admirable/a sympathetic character.
2a) December in Moscow is really cold.
2b) Better: December in Moscow is freezing.
Now, over to you! (Click here to download the worksheet).
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