Two major functions of adjectives

8 important questions on Two major functions of adjectives

What are the two types of adjectives based on their function in a sentence?

Adjectives can be either:
1. ATTRIBUTIVE:
- Example: a hot day, some new DVDs
2. PREDICATIVE:
- Example: It's hot., These look new.

What characterizes attributive adjectives?

These adjectives function as:
  1. Pre-head Modifiers
  2. Used in noun phrase structure
  3. Example: lonely people, this excellent play

Can some adjectives function exclusively in one role?

Yes, certain adjectives are restricted:
1. ATTRIBUTIVE-ONLY:
- Example: the main speaker, my own car
2. NEVER-ATTRIBUTIVE:
- Example: He's asleep., It’s liable to flood.
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What are the two categories most adjectives can be classified into?

  • Most adjectives are classified as either ATTRIBUTIVE or PREDICATIVE.
  • Attributive adjectives appear before nouns as modifiers.
  • Predicative adjectives follow linking verbs in clauses.

What are examples of PREDICATIVE adjectives?

  • Typical examples are:
  • - It's hot.
  • - These look new.
  • - I found it excellent.
  • - They seem lonely.

What is the function of ATTRIBUTIVE adjectives in noun phrases?

  • They act as pre-head Modifiers.
  • This means they modify nouns directly within noun phrases.

What are the characteristics of ATTRIBUTIVE-ONLY adjectives?

  • These adjectives can only be used attributively.
  • Examples include:
  • - the main speaker
  • - a mere child
  • - the only problem
  • - my own car

What type of adjectives are categorized as NEVER-ATTRIBUTIVE?

  • These adjectives cannot be used attributively.
  • Examples include:
  • - I'm afraid.
  • - She's asleep.
  • - He looks content.
  • - It's liable to flood.

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