1. Adjective Descriptive Grammar – 2S, 2016 Mrs. Belén Berríos Droguett

2. Adjective - Function The function of an adjective (Aj) can be divided in two: As the head (main element) of a Adjective Phrase (AjP) A modifier of a Noun Phrase (NP), thus, inside a NP the adjective goes next to the noun giving some characterization to it: Example: NP ( M Aj black H N cat) If a word can play these two roles, it is an adjective

3. In relation to its function, it is good to understand certain grammatical classification: Modifier : it is a word or phrase that can occur at the beginning or the end of the phrase (pre/post modifier). They modify (give certain characteristics or specification) to the Head they go with. Modifiers are optional, and when used as so, they are called attributive Complement : adjectives can be applied as complements: Subject complement (after the subject noun/usually in sentences using Be” Object complement (after the object of the sentence) In these two cases, adjectives are considered predicative since they complement (go next to/accompany) other bigger function level. In these two cases, adjectives are considered predicative since they complement (go next to/accompany) other bigger function level. Adjective - Function

4. Adjective - Form One shared characteristic among adjectives is the gradable forms. This is related to the possibility to have a comparative or superlative form. The forms then can be divided into: Gradable: describe qualities that can vary in a scale of degree (size, age, weight, etc.). Also, they can happen preceded by degree adverbs such as very, rather. These are the one which can have comparative and superlative Non-gradable: refer to all-or-nothing qualities (gender, nationality)

5. Gradable adjectives consider three form: Plain or same: the natural or neutral form of an adjective. In this level we can use as….as Comparative: we use to compare two elements, adding a suffix or an adverb. Superlative: used to highlight an element among a groups. A suffix or adverb is added as well Any of these could be preceded by a degree adverb ( intensifiers ) Both comparative and superlative forms could be used in a higher (written as we commonly used these two) or in a lower, where we use the adverb ‘less’ (in the comparative) or ‘least’ in the superlative Adjective - Form

6. Comparative : Adjective - Form AdjectiveForm Short (one syllable)adjective + er Long (two or more syllables)more + adjective Adjective ending -yy  i + er Irregular adjectivesSpecific forms

7. Superlative Adjective - Form AdjectiveForm Short (one syllable) the adjective + est Long (two or more syllables)the most + adjective Adjective ending -yy  i + est Irregular adjectivesSpecific forms

8. Adjective - Meaning Usually an adjective is recognized because it describes a quality or attribute of nouns, they help to specify or clarify a reference for a certain noun Types of adjectives vary: Physical qualities Psychological qualities Evaluative Related to time Just to name a few

9. Observation Opinion Physical DescriptionOriginMaterialQualifier Noun Siz e Shape Ag e Color Order of Adjective