Course: English in Use

Spring 2012

The adjective phrase (AdjP) and the adverb phrase (AdvP)

Adjective phrase
Form: (PRM) + H + (POM) Examples: old much older than her Function: on clause level: SC + OC on phrase level: PRM in NP + POM in NP Adjectives describe: nouns simple AdjP, only contains H complex AdjP, contains all elements, H = older

Adverb phrase
Form: (PRM) + H + (POM) Examples: quickly more fast than ever simple AdvP, only contains H complex AdjP, contains all elements, H = fast

Function: on clause level: A on phrase level: PRM in AdjP + PRM in AdvP Adverbs describe: adjectives adverbs verbs sentences

(PRM in AdjP) (PRM in AdvP) (A) (A)

degree adverbs degree adverbs adjuncts disjuncts + conjuncts

WEEK 12

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Course: English in Use

Spring 2012

Types of adjectives
Two main types of adjectives exist: Type Gradability/ Use Comparison Descriptive gradable Examples Comments These adjectives indicate a quality or property. These adjectives indicate that the noun is of a specific type, class or category.

Attributive (as PRM/POM) young + ugly Predicative (as SC/OC) long Attributive (as PRM) daily nuclear British

Classifying nongradable

Tips

Some adjectives can be both classifying and descriptive. Some adjectives have a different meaning when used attributively (as PRM/POM) than when used predicatively (as SC/OC). Some adjectives have a different meaning when used as a PRM than when used as a POM. Adjectives vs. adverbs: In the following cases an adjective has to be used in English: The verbs smell, look and taste are linking verbs, i.e. they are followed by a SC. Expressions like as possible, as usual, if necessary are verbless clauses. If you analyse the full sentence as it is possible, you see that word possible is a SC.

WEEK 12

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Course: English in Use

Spring 2012

Types of adverbs
The following main types of adverbs exist: Type Subtypes Examples Adjuncts adverbs of time place manner frequency etc. soon, today here, back quickly often, never He often has to run quickly to catch the bus. Disjuncts (comment adverbs) unfortunately honestly Honestly, I do not think so. Conjuncts (linking adverbs) however therefore However, this is not all I have to say. Degree adverbs completely highly very I feel very inspired. Tips

Function Comments A Describe a verb. Adjuncts are typically fully integrated in the sentence.

Gives the speaker's comment on the sentence. Disjuncts are typically separated from the rest of the sentence by commas.

Link sentences. Conjuncts are typically separated from the rest of the sentence by commas.

PRM in AdjP + in AdvP

Modify an adjective or an adverb.

Some adverbs exist in two forms, i.e. both with and without the -ly ending. Typically the two forms have different meanings.

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