Exploring the Exceptions to Adjective Rules in English

Understanding English grammar can be quite a journey, especially when it comes to the usage of adjectives. While most adjectives follow a set of established rules, there are certain exceptions that can make things more intriguing. In this article, we will delve into the unique situations where adjectives appear after the noun they modify. We will explore the rules of adjectival order and provide examples to help you master this fascinating aspect of English grammar.

The Common Rule of Adjective Order

For most adjectives in English, the general rule is that they come before the noun they modify. This order typically follows a specific sequence, which is often remembered with the acronym MDARCT (Modifier, Descriptive, Adjective, Relationship, Command, Time). Understanding this order can help you place adjectives correctly in a sentence. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as we will discuss later.

Exceptions to Adjective Rules: Adjectives After the Noun

While the vast majority of adjectives precede the noun they describe, there are cases where adjectives can—and often must—appear after the noun. These situations are not random but follow specific grammatical and stylistic guidelines.

Prenumeratives and Postnumeratives

Prenumeratives and postnumeratives are special cases where adjectives appear after the noun. Prenumeratives precede numerals and countable nouns, while postnumeratives follow numerals and countable nouns.

Prenumeratives

Prenumeratives are adjectives that come before a numeral or a word denoting a specific number. They are used to specify a quantity or quality that is defined by a numerically determined element. Here are a few common prenumeratives:

(A) Half - Used with a numeral or fraction to indicate a partial quantity. Example: half a mile (B) More - Used to indicate a quantity greater than a specified number. Example: more two miles (C) About - Used to indicate an approximate quantity. Example: about five miles (D) Less - Used to indicate a quantity less than a specified number. Example: less three miles (E) None - Used to indicate the absence of something. Example: none two miles

Examples

1. Half a mile is about six kilometers.

2. There are more two miles of forest than we thought.

Postnumeratives

Postnumeratives are adjectives that come after a numeral or a word denoting a specific number. They are used to describe a quantity or quality that is defined by a numerically determined element.

Examples

1. The room is 10 meters long.

In this example, "long" comes after the numeral 10 to describe the length of the room. This is a typical usage of postnumeratives.

Common Uses of Postnumeratives

Postnumeratives are often used to describe physical measurements and dimensions. Here are a few more examples:

The road is 10 kilometers long. The book is 200 pages long. The movie lasted 120 minutes.

Historical and Stylistic Exceptions

Adjectives after the noun can also occur in certain historical or stylistic constructions. These are not commonly used in modern English but are worth mentioning for completeness.

Historical Examples

Some older or classical texts may use adjectives after the noun, especially in poetic or archaic language. For example:

The sun bright shone in the sky. (from The Canterbury Tales)

Stylistic Uses

Modern English writers may use adjectives after the noun for stylistic reasons, such as to create a specific rhythm or to emphasize a particular word. However, this is not a common practice in everyday language and is generally seen as an exception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any other exceptions to the adjective rules?

A: Yes, there are a few other exceptions. For example, some adjectives come after the noun in certain idiomatic expressions or fixed phrases. However, these are relatively rare and are often learned through exposure to idiomatic language.

Q: Can I use different adjectives before and after the noun?

A: In general, it is not common to use different adjectives before and after the noun. However, in certain constructions, such as in Postnumeratives, a single adjective will follow the noun to describe its length, size, etc.

Conclusion

While the vast majority of adjectives in English follow a consistent order before the noun they modify, there are special cases where adjectives can and do appear after the noun. Understanding these exceptions can help you navigate the nuances of English grammar more effectively. Whether you are a student of English or a professional writer, mastering the rules of adjective use will greatly enhance your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

References

For those interested in further exploring the intricacies of English grammar, here are a few additional resources:

Adjective Order on EnglishClub Postnumerative Order by Sorey Nunes Adjective Order Explanation (Google Translation)