GUIDE ENGLISH GRAMMAR BOOK

PAGE 253
199 The position of adjectives
2 An adjective can go before a noun or as complement after a linking verb such as
be, seem, get. These positions are called 'attributive' and 'predicative'.
Attributive: It is a large stadium. (before a noun)
Predicative: The stadium is large. (as complement)
3 These adjectives are in attributive position.
Canterbury is a lovely city. I bought a black and white sweater.
A noisy party kept us awake. It's a difficult problem.
NOTE For the pattern so lovely a city, • 212(4).
4 These adjectives are in predicative position.
Canterbury is lovely. The sweater was black and white.
The party seemed very noisy. Things are getting so difficult.
NOTE
a An adjective can also be an object complement. • 11(1)
Why must you make things difficult? A noisy party kept us awake.
b We can use an adjective in an exclamation with how. • 20(l)
How lovely the view is! How cold your hands are!
An adjective can also be a one-word reply, e.g. Oh, good./Lovely.
c For The party seemed noisy and The door banged noisily, • 209(1b).
5 In these patterns we leave out words before a predicative adjective.
a I've got a friend keen on fishing. • 201
(= ... a friend who is keen on fishing.)
b Could you let me know as soon as possible?
(= ... as soon as it is possible.)
I don't want to spend any more money than necessary.
Chris went to bed later than usual.
We can do this with a few adjectives after as or than.
c
Pick the fruit when ripe.
(= ... when it is ripe.)
Work the putty in your hands until soft.
If possible, I should like some time to think it over.
Although confident of victory, we knew it would not be easy.
This pattern with a conjunction is found mainly in written English and especially
in instructions how to do something.
6 In rather formal or literary English an adjective can go before or after a noun
phrase, separated from it by a comma.
Uncertain, the woman hesitated and looked round.
The weather, bright and sunny, drove us out of doors.