Position of Adjectives
Have you ever wondered why we say "the big red car" and not "the red big car"? The position of adjectives in English can be a tricky business, but mastering it is crucial for clear and effective communication.
Introduction:
In the vast expanse of the English language, adjectives play a vital role in adding color and depth to our descriptions. However, their placement can be a source of confusion, even for native speakers. Understanding the rules that govern the position of adjectives is essential for anyone striving to communicate with precision and clarity.
1-Most adjectives can go in two places in a sentence:
a-before a noun
- The new secretary doesn't 11ke me.
- She married a rich businessman.
b-after a 'copula verb' (be, seem, look, appear, feel and some other verbs)
- That dress is new, isn't it? He looks rich.
2-A few adjectives can go before a noun, but not usually after a verb.
Examples are elder, eldest, and little. After a verb, we use older, oldest, and small.
- My elder brother lives in Newcastle. (Compare: He's three years older than me.)
- He's a funny little boy. (Compare: He looks very small.)
3-Some adjectives can go after a verb, but not usually before a noun.
The most common are ill, well and afraid, alive, alone, asleep. Before nouns we use sick, healthy, frightened, living, lone, sleeping.
- He looks ill. (Compare: He's a sick man.)
- Your mother's very well. (Compare: She's a very healthy woman.)
- She's asleep. (Compare: a sleeping baby)
4-In expressions of measurement, the adjective comes after the measurement-noun.
- two meters high (NOT high two meters)
- ten years old
- two miles long