Survey of English Grammar Wiki: Week 5

The Adjective Phrase (AP)

The distribution of the adjective phrase

An AP can occur

• following a 'linking verb' (copula verb): Kim is/feels/sounds/smells __.

The pro-form so can be used to refer to an AP: Kim is [very interested in snooker] and so is Pat.

The internal structure of the adjective phrase

• An AP must contain an adjective
• An AP may contain:
  • a degree word (very, quite, extremely) at the left periphery of the AP
  • a PP following the AP (proud [_PP of their children], fond [_PP of icecream])
  • an infinitival VP introduced with to following the AP (eager [to leave early], easy [to read])
  • a clause (certain [that Kim will arrive on time])

In English, an AP in prenominal (i.e. attributive) position must not contain elements following the adjective:

Kim is [_AP very proud [_PP of the children]].
the [_AP very proud] teacher
*the [_AP very proud [_PP of the children]] teacher

Exercise on Adjectives and Adverbs

Determine whether the undelined word is an adjective or an adverb. Write down Adj or Adv in the white space after each clause.

1. His behaviour was unfriendly.

2. Fortunately, Bill was not late.

3. She always tries very hard.

4. He hardly knew his past.

5. Porsche tends to be a fast car.

6. What a lively child!

7. Their trip to Haiti was too costly!

8. There was a lively debate on environmental pollution.

9. Some mushrooms are deadly.

10. He is a gentlemanly young man.

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