Adjective Phrases For Intermediate learners

In this lesson we learn about adjective phrases, which are groups of words that function as adjectives to describe or modify nouns. Improve with simple explanations and easy examples.

"Adjective Phrases" in the English Grammar

What Are Adjective Phrases?

An adjective phrase is a group of words that functions as an adjective in a sentence and modifies nouns or pronouns. It consists of an adjective and any modifiers, complements or determiners that may be present.

Adjective Phrases: Structure

An adjective phrase can have several forms. Including the following:

Adverb + Adjective

Adjective + Adverb

Adding Several Adjectives Together

Now, let us explore each:

Adverb + Adjective :

Example

That bag is too white.

If the food gets very cold, you should change it.

Adjective + Adverb :

Example

Is this motel safe enough for a woman like her?

That dress is fit enough for my sister.

Adding Several Adjectives Together:

Example

Don't you wanna try this new delicious, American Lasagna we just made?

Morty is such a pathetic, disgusting and uncaring person.

Position in a Sentence

Adjectives can come before or after the nouns they are modifying. Pay attention to the examples:

Example

These are new shoes.

Here, the adjective has come before the noun it is modifying.

This cat looks too tired to play right now.

As you can see, the adjective has come after the noun it is modifying.

Tip!

It's important to distinguish between adjective phrases and adjective clauses. While both function as adjectives in a sentence, an adjective clause contains a subject and a verb, while an adjective phrase does not have a verb. Compare:

Example

The book you were talking about in the last seminar, was the book of the year.

Here, we have an adjective clause because it has a subject and a verb and it is modifying 'book'.

It is an interesting magical book.

Here, we have an adjective phrase consisting of several adjectives.

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