Adjective phrases have the following basic structure:
Premodifier Adjective Postmodifier
very reluctant to leave
* The premodifier in an adjective phrase is most commonly an intensifier:
very useful
extremely cold
wonderfully creative
* In expressions of measurement and age, a noun phrase may function as a premodifier in an adjective phrase:
three months old
a metre long
10 mm wide
* Postmodifiers occur after the adjective:
glad you could come
guilty of murder
reluctant to leave
happy to oblige
delighted to meet you
The functions of adjective phrases
The major functions of adjective phrases are:
1 Subject complement :
Our aunt is quite ill.
You were very lucky.
My old teacher seemed genuinely happy to see me.
2 Premodifier of a noun :
Emily was wearing a very old dress.
I’ve used a slightly different recipe this time.
She’s a rather boring person.
3 Object complement :
Ice cream always makes Simon ill.
The new wallpaper makes the room much brighter.
The Gulf Stream keeps our climate fairly mild.
Premodifier Adjective Postmodifier
very reluctant to leave
* The premodifier in an adjective phrase is most commonly an intensifier:
very useful
extremely cold
wonderfully creative
* In expressions of measurement and age, a noun phrase may function as a premodifier in an adjective phrase:
three months old
a metre long
10 mm wide
* Postmodifiers occur after the adjective:
glad you could come
guilty of murder
reluctant to leave
happy to oblige
delighted to meet you
The functions of adjective phrases
The major functions of adjective phrases are:
1 Subject complement :
Our aunt is quite ill.
You were very lucky.
My old teacher seemed genuinely happy to see me.
2 Premodifier of a noun :
Emily was wearing a very old dress.
I’ve used a slightly different recipe this time.
She’s a rather boring person.
3 Object complement :
Ice cream always makes Simon ill.
The new wallpaper makes the room much brighter.
The Gulf Stream keeps our climate fairly mild.
