Adjective phrases in English are defined as phrases that consist of an adjective plus any modifiers or complements. The four grammatical forms that appear within English adjective phrases are:
- Adverb phrase
- Prepositional phrase
- Verb phrase
- Noun clause
The following sections define each of these four grammatical forms as well as provide examples to illustrate use.
Adverb Phrase in Adjective Phrases
Adverb phrases are the first grammatical form that can appear within adjective phrases in the English language. Adverbs are traditionally defined as "words that describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs." Adverb phrases are defined as phrases that are formed by an adverb plus any adverb phrase modifiers. Adverb phrases perform the grammatical function of adjective phrase modifier in English adjective phrases. For example, the following italicized adverb phrases function as adjective phrase modifiers:
- We experienced a rather strange phenomenon today.
- You mother is very pretentious.
- The new employee comes highly recommended.
Adverb phrases always precede the main adjective in English adjective phrases.
Prepositional Phrases in Adjective Phrases
Prepositional phrases are the second grammatical form that appear within adjective phrases in the English language. Prepositions are traditionally defined as "words the relate nouns, adjectives, and verbs to other words." Prepositional phrases are defined as phrases formed by a preposition directly followed by a prepositional complement. Prepositional phrases perform the grammatical functions of both adjective phrase complement and adjective phrase modifier in English adjective phrases. For example, the following italicized prepositional phrases function as adjective phrase complements or adjective phrase modifiers:
- My brother is fond of sports cars. (complement)
- The parents are happy for the new couple. (complement)
- The bread is moldy along the top crust. (modifier)
Prepositional phrases always follow the main adjective in English adjective phrases.
Verb Phrases in Adjective Phrases
Verb phrases in the form of infinitives are the third grammatical form that appear within adjective phrases in the English language. Verbs are traditionally defined as "action or state of being words." Verb phrases are defined as phrases that are formed by a verb plus any auxiliary verbs, particles, infinitive markers, modifiers, or complements. Verb phrases perform the grammatical function of adjective phrase complement in English adjective phrases. For example, the following italicized verb phrases function as adjective phrase complements:
- Many children are apprehensive to try new foods.
- My dog is eager to learn new tricks.
- The students are curious to learn more about the author.
Verb phrases always follow the main adjective in English adjective phrases.
Noun Clauses in Adjective Phrases
Noun clauses are the fourth grammatical form that appear within adjective phrases in the English language. Noun clauses are defined as subordinate clauses that consist of a subordinating conjunction following by a clause. Noun clauses perform the grammatical function of adjective phrase complement in English adjective phrases. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as adjective phrase complements:
- The boss is afraid that the union employees will strike.
- She is sad that her husband is ill.
- That woman is hopeful that her boyfriend will propose.
Noun clauses always follow the main adjective in English adjective phrases.
The four grammatical forms that appear within English adjective phrases as adjective phrase modifiers and adjective phrase complements are adverb phrases, prepositional phrases, verb phrases, and noun clauses. Both native speakers and ESL students must learn the four grammatical forms to correctly construct adjective phrases in both spoken and written English.
Sources
Huddleston, Rodney. Introduction to the Grammar of English. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1984.
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