Adjective phrases

An adjective phrase always has an adjective acting as the head. The adjective phrase may also contain words or phrases before or after the head (modifiers and complements):

Adjective (head):

That’s a lovely cake.

These flowers are wonderful.

Adjective preceded by a modifier (underlined):

That soup is pretty cold.

Many of the exercises are fairly difficult.

Adjective + a modifier after it:

The food was tasty enough.

The car is economical for its size.

Adjective + a word or phrase which is required to complete its meaning (a complement):

She was aware of the danger of travelling alone.

Some people weren’t willing to pay extra to book a seat on the plane.

Adjective preceded by a modifier + a word or phrase which is required to complete its meaning (a complement):

We’re not very keen on having an activity holiday.

Are you really interested in rock and roll?

Some adjective phrases have more complex structures.

See also:

Adjectives

Adjective phrases: position