Adjective Patterns - Adjectives are a cornerstone of English grammar, adding depth and clarity to nouns. Beyond their descriptive nature, adjectives form patterns with verbs, infinitives, and other sentence elements to convey specific meanings. This guide explores the five main adjective patterns, focusing on their rules, examples, and nuances.
What Are Adjective Patterns?
Adjective patterns describe the grammatical structures in which adjectives are used. These patterns help convey opinions, describe actions, and express degrees of certainty or difficulty. Understanding these patterns is essential for constructing fluent and precise sentences.
The Five Main Adjective Patterns
1. It + Verb + Adjective + To-Infinitive Clause
In this pattern, "it" is used as a dummy subject, and the adjective describes the action in the infinitive clause.
Structure:It + verb + adjective + to-infinitive clause
Examples:
- It was easy to trace the nuisance call.
- It is important to stay hydrated.
Usage:
- This pattern is often used to express opinions about actions or situations.
- The adjective describes the speaker's perspective.
2. Noun/Noun Phrase + Verb + Adjective + Infinitive
In this pattern, a noun or noun phrase serves as the subject, followed by a verb and an infinitive clause.
Structure:Noun/Noun phrase + verb + adjective + infinitive
Examples:
- The food was difficult to digest.
- The exam was hard to pass.
Usage:
- This pattern emphasizes the characteristics of the subject in relation to the action.
3. It + Verb + Adjective + Noun + Infinitive
In this pattern, "it" is used as the subject, and the adjective modifies the noun within the sentence.
Structure:It + verb + adjective + noun + infinitive
Examples:
- It’s a horrible thing to say.
- It’s a great book to read.
Usage:
- This structure is common for making subjective statements about objects or actions.
4. Patterns with Too and Enough
The adjectives "too" and "enough" help express whether something exceeds or meets a specific requirement.
Structure:
- Subject + verb + too + adjective + to-infinitive
- Subject + verb + adjective + enough + to-infinitive
Examples:
- She is too intelligent to be taken in by flattery.
- He was strong enough to lift the box.
Usage:
- "Too" indicates excessiveness.
- "Enough" indicates adequacy or sufficiency.
5. Subject + Verb + Adjective + Infinitive
In this pattern, the adjective modifies the subject directly and describes the subject's feelings or attributes related to the infinitive clause.
Structure:Subject + verb + adjective + infinitive
Examples:
- He was pleased to participate.
- She is happy to help.
Usage:
- This pattern is common for expressing emotions or personal characteristics.
Adjective Patterns with Likely, Sure, and Certain
Adjectives like "likely," "sure," and "certain" are frequently used to express probability, confidence, or certainty.
Structure:Subject + verb + adjective + to-infinitive
Examples:
- The party is sure to be a success.
- The Liberal Party is likely to win.
- He is certain to get his visa soon.
Usage:
- "Likely" conveys probability.
- "Sure" expresses confidence.
- "Certain" indicates absolute assurance.
Common Errors with Adjective Patterns
1. Misplacing the Infinitive Clause
- Incorrect: The food was easy digest.
- Correct: The food was easy to digest.
3. Using "Too" and "Enough" Incorrectly
- Incorrect: He is enough strong to lift it.
- Correct: He is strong enough to lift it.
3. Confusing "Likely" and "Sure"
- Incorrect: He is sure win the race.
- Correct: He is sure to win the race.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks using the correct adjective pattern:
- It was _______ (difficult) to complete the task.
- She is _______ (sure) to arrive on time.
- The cake is _______ (too) sweet to eat.
- He was _______ (pleased) to accept the award.
- The project was _______ (hard) to finish on time.
Answers:
- difficult
- sure
- too
- pleased
- hard
FAQs About Adjective Patterns
1. What is an adjective pattern?
An adjective pattern is a grammatical structure in which an adjective interacts with verbs, infinitives, or other sentence elements to form a meaningful phrase.
2. What are some common adjectives used with "too" and "enough"?
Common adjectives include "strong," "intelligent," "tired," "rich," and "old."
3. Can "it" be used in all adjective patterns?
"It" is used as a dummy subject in patterns where the main subject is delayed until the infinitive clause.
4. How do I avoid errors in adjective patterns?
Focus on word order, ensure the infinitive clause is present, and use "too" and "enough" appropriately.
5. What is the difference between "likely," "sure," and "certain"?
- "Likely" indicates probability.
- "Sure" expresses confidence.
- "Certain" implies absolute assurance.
6. Can adjective patterns be used in formal writing?
Yes, they are versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
