POSITION OF ADJECTIVE

POSITION OF ADJECTIVE

1.    A single adjective used attributively is generally placed immediately before the noun. As- King Francis was a hearty king, and loved a royal sport. Observe the difference between the following-

i.                   A great nobleman’s son.

ii.                A nobleman’s great son.

2.    In poetry however the adjective is frequently placed after the noun. As- we heard the sweet bell over the bay.

3.    When several adjectives are attached to one noun they are generally placed after it for emphasis. As- there dwelt a miller hale and bold.

4.    When some words or phrase is joined to the adjective to explain its meaning, the adjective is placed after its noun. As- he was a man fertile in resources.

5.    In certain phrases the adjective always comes after the noun. As- Heir apparent, time immemorial, lord paramount, viceroy elect, letters patent, knights temporal, notary public, body politic, God almighty.