Table of Contents
Introduction
This article explores adjectival nouns, a concept often known as nominalized adjectives. We’ll unravel what they are and how they differ from regular adjectives. We’ll also examine the process of turning adjectives into nouns, known as nominalization, with examples to make it clear. By the end, you’ll grasp the difference between adjectival nouns and attributive nouns.
Let’s start our quick journey through adjectival nouns and their role in sentence structure.
What Is An Adjectival Noun?
An adjectival noun, also known as a nominalized adjective, is an adjective that functions as a noun, as seen in the example “Look at the Irish over there.”
Adjectival Nouns Or Nominalized Adjectives?
Adjectival nouns and nominalized adjectives refer to the same thing:
- They are called nominalized adjectives because they function as nouns despite having an adjective-like quality.
- They are also adjectival nouns because they serve as nouns even though they are adjectives.
Before exploring examples of adjectival nouns, let’s discuss the difference between nouns and adjectives.
Nouns VS Adjectives
Here is the main difference between a noun and an adjective:
- A noun is a part of speech that is used to name a person, place, thing, quality, or action.
- An adjective is another part of speech that gives us more information about nouns. Adjectives modify nouns.
Examples:
- Poor John!
- Long river.
- Ugly table.
- Considerable courage.
- Bad work.
(The adjectives are in bold and the nouns are underlined)
| Adjectives | Nouns |
|---|---|
| Poor | John |
| Long | River |
| Ugly | Table |
| Considerable | Courage |
| Bad | Work |
Nominalization Of Adjectives
It is sometimes possible that adjectives, by the process of nominalization, may function as nouns.
Consider the following examples:
- The ugly is coming.
- The other is different.
- The bad always loses
- The rich must help the poor.
The words “ugly“, “other“, “bad, “rich” in the above examples function as adjectival nouns (or nominalized adjectives).
Nominalized Adjectives VS Attributive Nouns
There is a difference between nominalized adjectives and attributive nouns:
- Nominalized adjectives are adjectives that function as nouns as in “the poor, the rich, the English“.
- Attributive nouns are nouns that function as adjectives as in “chicken soup, field player, race car, ladies room”
Example Sentences With Nominalized Adjectives
Here are 20 example sentences featuring nominalized adjectives:
- The wise often offer valuable insights.
- The adventurous love exploring new territories.
- The generous always finds joy in giving.
- The curious never cease asking questions.
- The ambitious strive for excellence in every endeavor.
- The determined will overcome any obstacle.
- The resilient bounce back from setbacks.
- The patient endured trials with a calm demeanor.
- The diligent achieve success through hard work.
- The creative brings fresh ideas to the table.
- The passionate pursue their dreams with unwavering enthusiasm.
- The responsible always fulfill their commitments.
- The resourceful find solutions in challenging situations.
- The optimistic maintains a positive outlook in adversity.
- The independent value their freedom.
- The innovative transforms ideas into reality.
- The skilled excel in their chosen fields.
- The adaptable easily adjusts to changing circumstances.
- The humble gain respect through their modesty.
- The resilient bounce back stronger after facing adversity.
Summary
| Nominalized Adjectives | |
|---|---|
| Definition | Examples |
| An adjective that undergoes nominalization, taking on the role of a noun within a sentence. | – The wise often offer valuable insights. – The adventurous love exploring new territories. – The generous always finds joy in giving. – The curious never cease asking questions. – The ambitious strive for excellence. |
Conclusion
In summary, nominalized adjectives, such as the Irish, the bold, and the red, undergo a transformation, assuming the role of nouns within a sentence. Although these words start as adjectives, they are effectively used as nouns.
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