A Simple Guide to the Meaning and Use of Adjective Phrases with Exercises

Welcome to the article on adjective phrases, we hope this information will help you improve your understanding of the English language.

INTRODUCTION

What is an Adjective?

An adjective is a word that describes a noun or pronoun. It tells us more about something, like its size, color, or quality.
Examples:

  • e.g. big, red, happy.
  • She has a red car (red describes the car)

What is a Phrase?

A phrase is a group of words that work together but do not form a complete sentence.

What is an Adjective Phrase?

An adjective phrase is a group of words that describe a noun or pronoun. It often includes an adjective with modifiers, adverbs, or complements.
Example:

  • “The movie was very interesting.” (very interesting describes the movie.)

Adjective Phrases with Modifiers

Modifiers add more details to the adjective. They can be adverbs or intensifiers.
Example:

  • “He is extremely talented.”

Adjective Phrases with Complements

Complements complete the meaning of the adjective.
Example:

  • “I am afraid of the dark.”

EXAMPLE ADJECTIVE PHRASES

  1. Simple Adjective Phrases: Contain one adjective.
  • “She is happy.”
  1. Adjective Phrases with Modifiers: Use adverbs or other words to add meaning.
  • “She is very happy.”
  1. Adjective Phrases with Complements: Add extra information about the adjective.
  • “I am proud of my work.”

Adjective Phrases with Multiple Adjectives

When a phrase has more than one adjective to describe a noun.
Example:

  • “The house is big and beautiful.”

The Use of Adjective Phrases in Sentences

Adjective phrases make sentences more descriptive.
Example:

  • “The cake, freshly baked, smells amazing.”

Adjective Phrases in Everyday English

We use adjective phrases in daily conversations to describe things or people.
Example:

  • “She is kind and generous.”

Adjective Phrases with Compound Adjectives

Compound adjectives are two or more words combined to describe a noun.
Example:

  • “A well-known artist.”

What is the Difference Between an Adjective Phrase and an Adjectival Phrase?

  • An adjective phrase is headed by an adjective and describes a noun.
  • An adjectival phrase includes any phrase that functions as an adjective, even if it’s not headed by an adjective (e.g., prepositional phrases).
    Example:
  • Adjective phrase: “Extremely beautiful“
  • Adjectival phrase: “In the garden flowers bloom.” (In the garden acts like an adjective.)

Types of Adjective Phrases 

  1. Attributive Adjective Phrases:
    • These come before the noun they describe.
    • Example: “A very bright student joined the class.”
  2. Predicative Adjective Phrases:
    • These come after a linking verb and describe the subject.
    • Example: “The garden is extremely beautiful.”
  3. Postpositive Adjective Phrases:
    • These come after the noun they modify, often for stylistic reasons or when used with certain pronouns.
    • Example: “Something important to note.”

Exercises on Adjective Phrases

Exercise 1. Match the adjective phrases to the correct noun.

  1. A book
  2. A woman 
  3. A house
  4. A garden
  • (a) near the river
  • (b) filled with exciting stories
  • (c) with bright red flowers
  • (d) wearing a blue scarf

Exercise 2. Complete the sentences using adjective phrases from the following list.

  • with a broken leg
  • wearing a yellow hat
  • under the big oak tree
  • known for its delicious food
  1. The girl __________ is my cousin.
  2. We visited a town __________.
  3. They sat __________ to have lunch.
  4. The cat __________ is sleeping soundly.

Exercise 3. Complete each sentence with the best adjective phrase from the list given.

  1. The dog __________ is barking loudly.
  2. She wore a dress __________. 
  3. The car __________ belongs to my father. 
  4. I met a man __________. 
  5. The flowers __________ are blooming beautifully.
  6. The road __________ is closed for repairs.
  7. They bought a house __________.
  • covered in snow
  • made of silk
  • very friendly and helpful
  • with brown spots
  • far from the city
  • parked outside
  • in the garden

FAQ

Q: What is an adjective phrase?
A: An adjective phrase is a group of words that describes a noun or pronoun.

Q: How do I identify an adjective phrase?
A: Look for a group of words with an adjective that describes a noun or pronoun.

Q: What is the difference between an adjective phrase and an adjective clause?
A: An adjective phrase does not have a subject and verb, while an adjective clause does.

Q: Why are adjective phrases important?
A: They make sentences more descriptive and interesting.

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