Adjective Phrases

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 may 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

Example 1: An AP with a degree word and a clause

               __AP________
              /  |         \
             /   |      ____S_____
           Adv   A     /          \
            |    |    /____________\
   Kim is very happy that Pat called.