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 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