1 two positions
Most adjectives can go in two main places in a sentence.
a with a noun, usually before it. This is called ‘attributive position’.
The new secretary doesn’t like me.
He’s going out with a rich businesswoman.
In older English (see older English verb forms), it was quite common to put adjectives after nouns, especially in poetry and songs.
He came from his palace grand.
In modem English, this only happens in a few cases (see adjectives 2: after nouns and pronouns).
For adjectives before personal pronouns (e.g. Poor you!), see personal pronouns 2: advanced points.7.
after be, seem, look, become and other ‘link verbs’ (see link verbs: be, seem, look etc). This is called ‘predicative position’.
That dress is new, isn’t it?
She looks rich. I feel unhappy.
2 adjectives used only before nouns
Some adjectives are used only (or mostly) before nouns. After verbs, other words must be used. Common examples:
elder and eldest Compare:
My elder sister is a pilot. She’s three years older than me. live /laiv/ (meaning ‘not dead’) Compare: a live fish It’s still alive, old (referring to relationships that have lasted a long time) an old friend (not the same as a friend who is old) little (see small and little) Compare:
a nice little house The house is quite small.
intensifying (emphasising) adjectives
He’s a mere child, (but not Thatehild is mere.)
It’s sheer madness, (but not That madness is sheer.)
You bloody fool! (but not TkettfboHs- Moody.)
3 adjectives used only after verbs
Some adjectives beginning with a-, and a few others, are used mainly after link verbs, especially be. Common examples: afloat, afraid, alight, alike, alive, alone, asleep, awake. Compare:
– The baby’s asleep. – He was afraid.
a sleeping baby (not an asleep baby) a frightened man
– The ship’s still afloat, a floating leaf
The adjectives ill (see ill and sick and well see well) are most common after verbs. Before nouns, many people prefer other words. Compare:
– He’s very well. – You look ill.
a healthy/fit man Nurses take care of sick people.
4 verb + object + adjective
Another possible position for adjectives is after the object, in the structure verb + object + adjective.
I’ll get the car ready.
Do I make you happy? Let’s paint the kitchen yellow.
For the order of adjectives and other modifiers before nouns, see adjectives 4: order before nouns.
For and between adjectives, see adjectives 5: with and.
For commas between adjectives, see adjectives 4: order before nouns.6.
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