 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
226
3. In adjective phrases the headword is an adjective which has some words dependent on it.
They are usually adverbs or nouns with a preposition, or an infinitive. These may have dependent words of
their own: quite true, too big, wonderfully clever, kind enough, absent from classes, true to his word, unable
to say a word, etc. Their relation to the headword is either adverbial (where the dependent word is an adverb) or
objective (where the dependent word is a noun with a preposition or an infinitive). Such phrases perform the
same functions as adjectives used alone.
She has a kind heart.
(attribute expressed by an adjective)
It was a very dark night.
(attribute expressed by an adjective phrase)
Are you angry? (predicative expressed by an
adjective)
Are you quite ready?
(predicative expressed by an adjective phrase)
4. In adverbial phrases the headword is an adverb modified by some other adverb or (very
seldom) by a noun/pronoun with a preposition: very happily, rather well, heartily enough, fortunately for the
boy, etc. Their relation to the headword is either adverbial (in this case the modifying word is an adverb) or
objective (in this case it is a noun with a preposition). Such phrases function like separate adverbs.
She thanked him warmly.
(adverbial modifier expressed by an adverb)
He set to work heartily enough.
(adverbial modifier expressed by an adverbial phrase)
5. Instatival phrases where the headword is a stative modified either by a noun with a preposition,
or by an adverb, or by an infinitive, each of which may have dependent words of its own: aware of the danger,
afraid of cold water, so deeply asleep, quite alone, afraid to go home, ashamed to tell her about it, etc. Their
relation to the headword is either adverbial (the dependent word is an adverb) or objective (in this case it is a
noun with a preposition or an infinitive). Such phrases function as the corresponding statives do when used
separately.
The whole land was aflame.
(predicative expressed by a stative)
The sky above them seemed afire with stars.
(predicative expressed by a statival phrase)
As is seen from the above, the relations between the headword and dependent words within these phrases (1-
5) may be of three kinds: attributive, objective, or adverbial.
Phrases which are indivisible either syntactically or semantically or both
§ 36. Phrases of this kind contain two or more notional word-forms used together to designate a person or a
non-person, an action or a quality. Syntactical relations between their components are not always explicit, and
so they are not analysed separately.
Here belong:
1.Groups of words that name one thing or one unit.
Will you allow me another half an hour?
Here is your needle and thread.
2. Groups of words denoting an indefinite number or amount of
things.
A lot of unpleasant things have been said.
3. Groups of words denoting arithmetical calculations.
Two plus two is four.