Attributive Adjectives - Adjectives play a vital role in language by adding detail and context to nouns. Among them, attributive adjectives hold a special position as they describe nouns directly and occur before them. This guide delves into the concept, usage, and nuances of attributive adjectives, along with their unique characteristics and examples.
What Are Attributive Adjectives?
Attributive adjectives are adjectives that appear before nouns to modify or describe them. They add specific qualities, such as size, color, or characteristics, to the noun they precede.
For example:
- A beautiful sunset (describes the sunset as beautiful).
- A clever child (describes the child as clever).
Difference Between Attributive and Predicative Adjectives
Adjectives can appear in two positions in a sentence:
- Attributive Position: Before the noun (e.g., a happy child).
- Predicative Position: After a linking verb, modifying the subject (e.g., The child is happy).
Example Comparison:
- Attributive: A live horse grazed in the field.
- Predicative: The horse is alive.
Key Characteristics of Attributive Adjectives
1. Placement Before Nouns
Attributive adjectives always precede the noun they modify.
- Example: A tiny house stood at the end of the street.
2. Used in Specific Contexts
Some adjectives are typically used only in the attributive position, such as "elder" and "eldest."
- My elder brother is an artist.
- Correct: My brother is older (not "elder").
3. Multiple Adjectives Can Be Used
Several adjectives can appear together in an attributive position, but they must follow the standard adjective order.
- Example: A lovely little red cottage by the lake.
Unique Cases of Attributive Adjectives
1. The Adjective "Live"
The adjective "live" has specific usages:
As Attributive: Used to describe animals or broadcasts.- Example: A live horse (opposite of dead).
- Example: The horse is alive.
- Example: This telecast comes to you live from Paris.
2. The Adjective "Little"
Attributive: Adds charm or a diminutive sense.- Example: A nice little cottage by the woods.
- Example: The cottage is small.
How to Use Attributive Adjectives in Sentences
1. As Single Modifiers
- Example: She wore a red dress.
- Analysis: "Red" directly describes the dress.
2. As Multiple Modifiers
- Example: He bought a new black leather wallet.
- Analysis: The adjectives "new," "black," and "leather" provide specific qualities about the wallet.
3. With Noun Phrases
- Example: A diligent young student excels in academics.
- Analysis: The adjectives "diligent" and "young" modify "student."
Common Adjectives Used Attributively
Some adjectives are predominantly or exclusively used in the attributive position:
Elder/Eldest:
- Attributive: My elder sister.
- Predicative Alternative: My sister is older.
Certain Adjectives Indicating Rank or Order:
- Attributive: The first runner.
- Predicative: She is first in the race.
Comparison with Predicative Adjectives
| Feature | Attributive Adjectives | Predicative Adjectives |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Before nouns | After linking verbs |
| Example | A tall building | The building is tall. |
| Context of Usage | Describes nouns directly | Describes subject or complement |
Order of Attributive Adjectives
When multiple adjectives are used, they follow a specific order:
Opinion → Size → Age → Shape → Color → Origin → Material → Purpose
- Example: A beautiful small old round red Spanish wooden dining table.
Examples of Attributive Adjectives in Sentences
- She has a kind heart.
- A strong wind blew across the fields.
- The children played in a huge green park.
- We visited an ancient historical site.
- He bought a sleek black sports car.
FAQs About Attributive Adjectives
1. What are attributive adjectives?
Attributive adjectives are adjectives that come before nouns to describe or modify them.
2. What’s the difference between attributive and predicative adjectives?
Attributive adjectives appear before nouns, while predicative adjectives follow linking verbs to describe the subject.
3. Are all adjectives used in attributive positions?
No, some adjectives like "afraid" and "alone" are only used predicatively (e.g., She is afraid).
4. Can a single noun have multiple attributive adjectives?
Yes, multiple adjectives can modify a single noun, but they must follow the correct adjective order.
5. Why is "elder" only used attributively?
"Elder" is a relational adjective that is typically used to show familial or rank-related relationships, making it most suitable for attributive usage.
6. What are some examples of attributive adjectives?
Examples include "happy," "large," "elder," "nice," "bright," and "colorful."
