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Adjective Phrase. Comparison. Types: (1) by inflection, adding - er and - est to the base form (e.g. bigger, the biggest) (2) analytically, by the adverbs more and most (e.g. more beautiful, the most beautiful). Functions of the comparatives and superlatives. Modifiers of a noun
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Comparison • Types: (1) by inflection, adding -er and -est to the base form (e.g. bigger, the biggest) (2) analytically, by the adverbs more and most (e.g. more beautiful, the most beautiful)
Functions of the comparatives and superlatives • Modifiers of a noun E.g.Have you got a largersize? What’s the funniestjoke you’ve heard recently? • Complements in clauses E.g. This house is smaller, but it’s nicer. Really, they should appoint Jones. He’s the most experienced.
Complementation • Phrasal • Clausal
Phrasal Complementation • Prepositional phrase (usually not obligatory, though a few are): Obligatory E.g. Women are generally averse to the notion of changing their ways for a man. The different political tribes are bent on destroying their adversaries. Not obligatory, but controlled by a particular adjective: Sorry about/for; anxious about/for; pleased at/about/with; angy with/about
Clausal Complementation • Finite • Non-finite
Finite Clauses • That-clauses after emotive adjectives or adjectives expressing confidence/volition such as: afraid, alarmed, amazed, angry, annoyed, ashamed, astonished, aware, concerned, delighted, disappointed, glad, (un)happy, pleased, shocked, sorry, upset, worried E.g. He was upset that he got a B plus in my class.
To-infinitive Clauses • You are mad to visit me. (contain adjectives evaluative of human behavior (nice, silly…); (b) You are very slow to give your opinion, aren’t you? (You give your opinion slowly.) (c) Everyone was sorry to hear about the accident. (contain emotive adjectives (disappointed, ashamed, glad, happy)
To-infinitive Clauses (cont.) (d) I am not willing to believe that story. (volition: eager, unable, sure…) (e) Mountain water is not always safe to drink. (transitive verb)
Ing-clause • With optional or obligatory prepositions: E.g. We've been too busy (with) building the ship. He wasn't ashamed of asking for more money.