Dictionary work
• The sound of the shehnai is auspicious.
• The auspicious sound of the shehnai is usually heard at marriages.
The adjective auspicious can occur after the verb be as in the first sentence, or before a noun as in the second. But there are some adjectives which can be used after the verb be and not before a noun. For example:
• Ustad Faiyaz Khan was overjoyed .
We cannot say: *the overjoyed man.
Look at these entries from the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2005).
Consult your dictionary and complete the following table. The first one has been done for you.
|
adjective |
only before noun |
Not before noun |
Both before and after the verb be |
|
indispensable |
|
|
✔ |
|
impressed |
|
|
|
|
afraid |
|
|
|
|
outdoor |
|
|
|
|
paternal |
|
|
|
|
countless |
|
|
|
|
priceless |
|
|
|
Use these words in phrases or sentences of your own.
|
adjective |
only before noun |
not before noun |
both before and after the verb be |
|
indispensable |
|
|
✔ |
|
impressed |
|
✔ |
✔ |
|
afraid |
|
✔ |
✔ |
|
outdoor |
✔ |
|
|
|
paternal |
✔ |
|
|
|
countless |
✔ |
|
|
|
priceless |
✔ |
|
✔ |
Some sentences using these adjectives are:
1. She is indispensable for the successful completion of the project.
2. Sunita was impressed by my singing.
3. He is afraid of the dark.
4. I enjoy the company of my paternal uncle.
5. Gennie was showered with countless gifts.
6. My grandmother gave me a priceless piece of advice.