Adjective Phrase

Adjectival phrases refer to one of the various types of phrases which you may use in your oral and written communication on a regular basis. Adjectives are utilized to define, describe and express the nouns.

Adjective phrases are employed to define, describe and express the adjectives. So conclusively, adjective phrases enhance the sentences by giving a richer description for nouns.

What Is an Adjective Phrase?

Let's analyze an adjective phrase to master the concept and to know what it is.

A phrase is a collection of words that isn't quite a statement but communicates a coherent notion. They are used to offer context and clarity in sentences.

Following are few phrases that can help you to begin understanding;

• Up the slope
• Without any dipping sauces

An adjective is a term that is used to characterize a noun. Adjectives include the following:

• Blue
• Tiny
• Funny

An adjective phrase refers to the phrase which comprises adjectives, but it is also a phrase that works as an adjective by characterizing the nouns in the sentence. Examine the highlighted adjective phrases in the below-mentioned statements:

1. I didn't believe our tourist guide when he cautioned us about the increasing nasty demons we'd come across as we traveled deeper into the forests.
2. She was taller than her peers.

As you can see from these instances, an adjective phrase might come before or after the noun it is defining.

What Makes Up an Adjectival Phrase?

The key to identifying an adjectival phrase is by taking a look at the first word of the collection of words. If it's an adverb or a preposition, it's an adjectival phrase made up of an intensifier as well as an adjective.

When one adjective is insufficient to describe a noun, a collection of adjectives can be used to form an adjectival phrase.

What Is the Function of An Adjectival Phrase In A Sentence?

Using adjectival phrases can assist in improving the writing abilities since they will give the sentences additional life and personality. Sometimes, all that is needed is a single word to make the sentence shine; however, employing adjectival phrases will boost the amount of detail supplied and get them truly engaged with their writing.

The Purpose of Adjective Phrases

Wondering about what are the functions of adjective phrases and it's purpose? Adjective phrases can change nouns or pronouns and work in the same way with both.

Adjective phrases serve two purposes.

1. They can first be used to alter nouns within noun phrases, as in the following example:

• The shortage of goods has become [an increasingly difficult issue].

Within square brackets, the noun phrase has the noun issue as its head, while the adjective phrase increasingly difficult functions as a modifier. This is known as attributive function of adjective phrases.

2. Another function of Adjective phrases is that it serves as predicatives in clause structure, accompanying verbs such as be, become, appear, and so on.

• It is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a reasonable level.

This is known as the predicative function of adjective phrases. An adjective phrase, either attributive or predicative, constantly modifies (provides additional information about) a noun phrase (or a dependent clause serving as the subject of a statement, e.g. To be a real adult is often difficult.).

How to Recognize an Adjective Phrase

The key to recognizing an adjective phrase is to recognize a set of terms within a sentence that works together to characterize a noun or pronoun.

1. In the statement, look for an adjective, which is a word that characterizes a noun or pronoun.
2. Assess if the adjective is expressing a noun or pronoun alone or in conjunction with one or more other terms.
3. It's merely an adjective if it's working on its own. It is the head of an adjective phrase if it is used in conjunction with other words.
4. Identify the additional terms that are used in conjunction with the head adjective to define the noun or pronoun.
5. These are examples of adjectives. Adverbs, prepositions, prepositional phrases, and other adjectives are examples.

Constructing an Adjective Phrase

Seeing this type of statement in action is the greatest way to grasp it. Adjective phrases can be constructed by stringing together many adjectives, or these might start with the prepositions or adverb intensifiers. The adjective phrase has been highlighted in the statements below, whereas the nouns or pronouns it modifies is Italicised.

Adverb Intensifier with Adjective

An adjective phrase is made by mixing the adverb that serves as an intensifier and an adjective.

1. The stunningly gorgeous lady strolled down the street. ("stunningly" is an adverb, while "gorgeous" is an adjective)
2. That fruit is incredibly sweet. "Incredibly" is an adverb, and "sweet" is an adjective.

Adjective Phrase with a Preposition

A preposition or prepositional phrase can be used with another term to characterize a noun in a statement to make an adjective phrase.

1. John is from Brazil. ("from" is a preposition; when coupled with "Brazil," an adjective phrase describing "him" is generated.)
2. Diana is from a Chicago suburb. ("from a suburb" is a prepositional phrase; when coupled with "Chicago," it produces an adjective phrase characterizing "she or Diana").

Several Adjectives in a Row

Sometimes one adjective was not enough to describe something. An adjective phrase is formed by a string of numerous adjectives.

1. Helen had the most glossy, smooth, and sparkling hair I'd ever seen. (Adjectives such as glossy, smooth, and sparkling form an adjective phrase.)
2. Monica is a lovely, clever, and beautiful young woman. (lovely, clever, and beautiful are all adjectives; when combined, they form an adjective phrase.)

Adjective Phrase Positioning

Adjective phrases can come before or after the nouns that they change. However, their function is to change nouns or noun phrases within sentences.

Adjective Phrases That Come Before a Noun or a Pronoun

Adjective phrases are frequently used in statements to change nouns or noun phrases. They are frequently used before the word or pronoun that they describe.

1. The very tiny cat sprang at the large dog.
2. The sweat-covered guy slogged his way college.
3. A very huge beetle is heading directly towards me.
4. A few additional buttons came with the jacket.
5. The bushy, overgrown lawn requires attention.

Adjective Phrases Following a Noun or a Pronoun

In a statement, adjective phrases need not have to occur prior the nouns or pronouns they alter. It is common for adjective phrases to come after the noun or pronoun they change.

Let us have a look at some of the examples of adjective phrases following the nouns or pronouns;

1. We were heartbroken by the announcement.
2. The price of the scooter was crazily expensive.
3. Helen chose the color for her house, which is a fruity pink.
4. My new cat makes me really joyful.
5. I often feel bad for people residing in big cities.
6. We are raising donations for babies born with heart problems.
7. They were pleased with the group that made it to the championship round.
8. The cookies smell delightfully nice.
9. Something in the doorway was shifting.

Adjective Phrases with Compound Adjectives

A compound adjective phrase can be formed by utilizing only a compound adjective or a compound adjective combined with other adjectives.

1. We chose to stay at a newly-built building on seventh Street.
2. Hani stated that she loves watching the European coming-of-era series.
3. The bright-eyed Asian girl rose to prominence after competing in the National singing and dance competition.

Adjective Phrases associated with Comparative and Superlative Degrees of Comparison

Adjective phrases can be used to describe the comparative and superlative degrees of comparison. Examine the examples provided below.

1. David is taller than his sibling, Chris.
2. According to reports, it is the month's most unexpected incident.
3. Farheen said that it is not simple for her to select which one is her most preferred food.

Adjective Phrases vs. Solo Adjectives

If you want to change a noun in a more sophisticated way than a basic adjective, consider employing an adjective phrase. This can be accomplished without changing the meaning of the statement or sentence, but it can also be done in a manner that restricts or expands the noun.

Determine the following examples, where the adjectives and adjective phrases are highlighted, and the noun is Italicised.

Beautiful: Alone or in a Phrase

All of these statements convey the same thing. The first sentence, however, contains one adjective, but the succeeding sentences have adjective phrases.

1. Adjective - The beautiful cottage is at the top of the mountain.
2. Adverb phrase with the same meaning - The cottage that is beautiful is at the top of the mountain.
3. Adverb phrase to emphasize - The breathtakingly beautiful cottage is at the top of the hill.
4. Limiting adjective phrase - A somewhat beautiful cottage is at the top of the hill.

Angry: Individually or in a Phrase

Again, the two statements mentioned below are interchangeable. The first employs only an adjective, whereas the second uses an adjectival phrase.

1. Adjective - The angry dog howls the entire day.
2. Same-meaning adjective phrase - The dog who appears to be very angry howls the whole day.
3. Adverb phrase to emphasize - The fiercely angry dog howls all day.
4. Limiting adjective phrase - The little but slightly angry dog howls all day.

What Is the Distinction Between an Adjective Phrase and an Adjective Clause?

A phrase is a collection of terms or words that cannot function as a sentence on their own since they lack a subject and a predicate. A clause, on the contrary, comprises a subject and a predicate and, in some situations, can serve as an independent sentence.

Adjective clause and adjective phrase both serve the same purpose: they describe a noun. An adjective phrase, on the other hand, is only a few extra words that "bulk up" an adjective, whereas an adjective clause repeats the noun. An adjective clause will frequently do this with a pronoun.

Here are a few instances of bolded adjective clauses within sentences:

1. The school that has very strict admission rules has a small student population.
2. It was pitch black, besides the mobile phone head torch that lit up our physical surroundings.
3. Kenny P., who always wears sunglasses, won't be attending the function this year.

Here are the identical sentences, but with adjective phrases in place of the adjective clauses:

1. The very strict school has a small student population.
2. It was pitch black, besides the luminous, short-range mobile phone head torch.
3. Persistently sunglasses-wearing Kenny P. won't be attending the function this year.

Examples of Adjective Phrases

Adjective Phrases have been bolded for easy identification.

1. Someone smarter than me must solve this issue/problem.
2. Everyone was extremely pleased when the victor was declared.
3. Aunt said the price of a vehicle is simply too high.
4. Faster than the speed, Superhero saved the whole day.
5. Her eyes were amazingly captivating to the young fellow.
6. The highly emotional performer delivered an outstanding performance.
7. Helen is rather fond of snow sports.
8. The video was not too awful.
9. The final examinations were really demanding.
10. This Lasagna is very yummy and incredibly pricey.
11. The new clothing was incredibly expensive, but it was really gorgeous.
12. Candidates protested the growing costs of tuition by staging a rally.
13. The units in that development are small but inexpensive.
14. That pumpkin dessert smells very delicious.
15. Eating out is generally not a very healthy choice.

Why Are Adjective Phrases Significant?

Native English speakers excel at utilizing adjective phrases. Adjective phrases are rarely misused. However, there is one noteworthy concern.

(Issue 1) A hyphen should not be used with an adverb concluding in "-ly."

The most frequently disputed question in relation to adjective phrases is whether or not to employ a hyphen to connect an adverb to the head adjective. Some writers, for instance, are unclear whether to write "professionally trained editor" or "professionally-trained editor? The short answer is: refrain from using a hyphen.

Whenever an adverb culminating in "-ly" modifies an adjective, do not add a hyphen to attach it to the adjective.

In the purpose of writing efficiency, the hyphen is unnecessary. If your adverb is one which could be mistaken for an adjective (for example, "well," "fast," "best," or "better"), include a hyphen to get rid of any ambiguity.

The woman has beautifully-formed hands. This is incorrect (The hyphen is unnecessary when the adverb terminates in "-ly.")

Her feet are well-formed. This is correct

(The hyphen is justified to indicate that you are referring to the adverb "well," i.e., healthily, rather than the adjective "well," that is, healthy.)

In reality, there is rarely any misunderstanding with adverbs like "well," "fast," and "best," however the hyphen has become a matter of style, which is somewhat justified by the it-eliminates-ambiguity argument.

The same cannot be said for "better" and "more." There is frequently ambiguity. Consider the following examples:

Alliteration fosters better flowing statements.

(There's a bit of confusion here. Are the statements better? Do they flow better?)

Alliteration fosters better-flowing statements This is correct.

(With the hyphen, it is evident that the intended meaning is sentences that flow better.

Jennifer has begun eating more healthy foods.

(There's a bit of confusion here. Is Jennifer consuming more food or the same amount of food?)

Jennifer has begun eating more-healthy foods. This is correct.

(With the hyphen, it's evident that what is meant is the same amount of food that is more healthy.)

Adjective Phrases Provide More Details

A well-chosen adjective phrase can add life and personality to a statement. A single adjective can be sufficient. However, if it can be expanded into an adjective phrase, you can give your readers more information and details. Once you're ready to incorporate certain adjective phrases into your writing, make sure to practice and learn the concept adjective phrase examples for more guidance.