Sintaxis inglesaI- Dra. M. Larsen
The Adjective Phrase
1)The ADJECTIVE PHRASE (AP) is centered around a lexical category : the Adjective, characterised by a
certain number of properties::
i) morphological :
-adjectives are gradable (comparative and superlative forms)
-associated with certain derivational morphemes: -able; -al; -ful; -ic; etc.
ii) semantic:
they are usually associated with the expression of qualities and properties, generally
narrowing the sense of the noun by ascribing certain attributes
(NB:to be complemented with Downing, pp.512-519)
2) STRUCTURE OF AP:
Λ The adjective functions as head of AP
Λthe AP may be simple or complex, i.e. it may consist of one or more words:
(1) a beautiful cottage
(2) an incredibly hot summer
•Adjectives may be preceded -modified- by adverbs:
•Degree adverbs like: quite, very, so, rather, incredibly etc.
(3) it is a rather impressive building
•General adverbs like: theoretically, immediately
(4) this solution is theoretically possible
(5) it is practically useless
AP
AP
A AdvP A
beautiful DEG
incredibly hot
•Some adjectives may be followed (post-modified or complemented) by PrepPhrases, non-finite
clauses, finite clauses)
(6) Peter is fond of music
this problem is rather difficult to solve
Λ AP≡ (adv P) + A + (PrepP; to-infinitive clause;; etc...)
3) FUNCTIONAL AND SYNTACTIC PROPERTIES OF AP
i) as constituent of NP: modifier in NP (pre modifier/ post modifier)
(7) An interesting issue
(8) the members present (only with some adjectives )
ii) as constituent of VP
-Subject complement in VP
(8)she is beautiful
NB: not all adjectives can function as Cs and pre-mod in NP:
a handsome guy/ he is handsome; the mouse is afraid / * the afraid mouse
-Object Complement in VP
(9) she makes me sad
4) RECURSIVE MODIFICATION:
Λ more than one adjective may appear in AP. When this option is exercised, the order of the adjectives
is often relatively rigid.
(10)A big red bull / * a red big bull
(11)a tiny little mouse/ *a little tiny mouse
Λ as a guideline, an adjective is closer to Noun if:
a) it is more central to the meaning of the noun: a large national monument
