Attributive vs. Predicative Adjectives: Learn the Difference
The tall man entered the room.
The man is tall.
The man is tall.
The adjective "tall" appears in both sentences, but its relationship to the noun "man" differs significantly based on its position. This positional distinction forms the foundation of attributive and predicative adjectives in English grammar.
The Two Positions of Adjectives
The placement of adjectives determines not just their classification but also affects how they function grammatically.
Adjectives in English fall into two major syntactic categories based on their position relative to the nouns they modify:
- Attributive adjectives
- Predicative adjectives
This classification reflects structural differences in how adjectives connect to the nouns they describe.
Attributive Adjectives: Direct Modifiers
These adjectives attach directly to nouns, forming part of the noun phrase without needing connecting verbs.
Attributive adjectives appear directly before (or occasionally after) the nouns or pronouns they modify. They integrate directly into noun phrases without requiring linking verbs:
- The clever student solved the problem.
- The ancient civilization disappeared mysteriously.
- She wore a dress elegant in its simplicity. (post-position)
Attributive adjectives create a tight unit with their nouns, often establishing a single concept or idea. They can appear anywhere in a sentence since they travel with their noun.
Predicative Adjectives: Connected by Verbs
These adjectives establish relationships between subjects and their qualities through the mediation of linking verbs.
Predicative adjectives follow the nouns they modify and connect to them through linking verbs (forms of be, seem, appear, become, etc.). They function as subject complements within the predicate of the sentence:
- The student is clever.
- The civilization became extinct.
- Her explanation seemed logical.
Predicative adjectives make assertions about the subject rather than simply describing it. They form part of what is being stated about the subject.
The Role of Linking Verbs
Linking verbs serve as bridges between subjects and predicative adjectives, creating complete predicates.
Common linking verbs that connect subjects to predicative adjectives include:
- Forms of "be" (is, am, are, was, were)
- Sensory verbs (looks, sounds, feels, tastes, smells)
- Verbs of becoming (becomes, grows, turns, gets)
- Verbs of perception (seems, appears, remains)
Examples of Linking Verbs
- The soup tastes delicious.
- The sky grew dark.
- The patient remains stable.
Comparing Attributive and Predicative Uses
The same adjective often works in both positions, but sometimes with subtle differences in meaning.
Many adjectives can function both attributively and predicatively:
Attributive: The responsible person will be rewarded.
Predicative: The person is responsible for the project.
Predicative: The person is responsible for the project.
Attributive: She's a proud mother.
Predicative: The mother is proud of her children.
Predicative: The mother is proud of her children.
Some adjectives, however, prefer one position over the other:
Mainly attributive: main, mere, utter, sole
- The main reason (attributive)
- Rarely: The reason is main. (predicative)
Mainly predicative: afraid, alive, asleep
- The child is asleep. (predicative)
- Rarely: The asleep child (attributive)
Adjectives Modifying Pronouns
While nouns are their typical partners, adjectives also modify pronouns in specific patterns.
Predicative Adjectives with Pronouns
Predicative adjectives commonly modify pronouns:
- That is interesting.
- She seems tired.
- We were excited about the trip.
The pronoun serves as the subject, with the predicative adjective making an assertion about it through a linking verb.
Attributive Adjectives with Indefinite Pronouns
Attributive adjectives can modify indefinite pronouns:
- Many were disappointed.
- The lucky few received tickets.
- Something strange happened last night.
Attributive Adjectives with Personal Pronouns (Informal)
In casual contexts, attributive adjectives sometimes modify personal pronouns:
- Poor you! Did you wait long?
- Silly me, I forgot my keys.
- Lucky them – they won the lottery!
Usage Note
This construction is generally limited to informal communication and should be avoided in formal writing.
Attributive vs. Predicative: Effect on Meaning
Sometimes the position of an adjective can subtly or dramatically change its meaning.
With some adjectives, their position affects their meaning:
Example 1:
The present members voted. (attributive: the members who are here)
The members are present. (predicative: they are in attendance)
The present members voted. (attributive: the members who are here)
The members are present. (predicative: they are in attendance)
Example 2:
The responsible driver stopped at the light. (attributive: dependable)
The driver is responsible for the accident. (predicative: accountable)
The responsible driver stopped at the light. (attributive: dependable)
The driver is responsible for the accident. (predicative: accountable)