Adjective Phrase: Definition, Formation & Examples

What Is an Adjective Phrase? – Meaning and Definition

An adjective phrase functions like an adjective, describing a noun or pronoun in a sentence. It’s a group of words, such as ‘very nice’ or ‘interested in football.’ The phrase include an adjective alone or with adverbs and prepositional phrases, as per Macmillan Dictionary.

Forming, Identifying and Using an Adjective Phrase

To form an adjective phrase, consider these components: adjectives, adverbs, prepositions/prepositional phrases, articles, and modifiers/determiners. Always Remember.

1. Ensure the phrase functions as an adjective.
2. Removing it won’t change the sentence meaning; it provides extra information.
3. Follow the order of adjectives for clarity.
4. Punctuate correctly: use a comma after a starting phrase, enclose a mid-sentence phrase with commas, and omit punctuation at the end.

To spot an adjective phrase in a sentence.

1. Identify nouns/pronouns/noun phrases.
2. Look for words describing the subject/object.
3. Find descriptive details; if removal doesn’t alter meaning, it’s likely an adjective phrase. Despite not changing the meaning when removed, these phrases provide valuable extra information about the subject/object, making them a crucial part of sentences.

Difference between an Adjective Phrase and an Adjective Clause

Aspect	Adjective Phrase	Adjective Clause
Definition	A group of words that functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun.	A group of words with a subject and verb that functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun.
Components	Adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, articles, modifiers/determiners.	A subject and a verb, often introduced by a relative pronoun (who, which, that) or a relative adverb (where, when, why)
Example	The book on the shelf is mine.	The book that is on the shelf is mine.
Function	Adds descriptive information to a noun or pronoun.	Provides additional information about a noun or pronoun and functions as part of a sentence.
Independence	Can be removed without affecting the sentence structure.	Removal may affect sentence structure, as it often contains a subject and verb essential to the sentence.
Punctuation	Usually no punctuation or separated by commas if set off.	Generally requires punctuation (commas or other punctuation marks) to integrate or set off the clause
Example Sentence	The girl with the blue dress is my sister.	The girl who is wearing the blue dress is my sister

Examples of Adjective Phrases

1. The car with the sleek design is my favorite.
2. I met a person with a friendly smile at the party.
3. She wore a dress of vibrant colors to the event.
4. The story about the lost city fascinated the children.
5. He lives in a house on the quiet street.
6. The mountain covered in snow looked breathtaking.
7. We visited a restaurant with a diverse menu.
8. The cat with the fluffy tail is adorable.
9. She found a job in the bustling city.
10. The movie with incredible special effects impressed the audience.

Adjective Phrases with Multiple Adjectives

1. The garden had flowers of various colors and fragrances.
2. He wore a tie with bold, vibrant patterns.
3. The beach was surrounded by cliffs of towering, majestic heights.
4. She chose a necklace with small, delicate pearls.
5. We entered a room with high, vaulted ceilings and elegant chandeliers.
6. The performance featured dancers with graceful, fluid movements.
7. The chef prepared a dish with rich, savory flavors.
8. The sky was painted in shades of orange and pink during the sunset.
9. The museum displayed paintings of famous, influential artists.
10. The book had a cover with intricate, detailed illustrations.

Adjective Phrases with Compound Adjectives

1. She bought a dress made of high-quality, eco-friendly fabric.
2. We enjoyed a picnic under the bright, sun-dappled trees.
3. The athlete wore sneakers designed for long-distance, high-impact activities.
4. He lived in a house built with sturdy, weather-resistant materials.
5. The team won the championship with a well-coordinated, strategic game plan.

Adjective Phrases with the Comparative and Superlative Degrees of Comparison

1. The mountain trail became more challenging with each ascending step.
2. She felt less stressed after practicing mindfulness meditation.
3. The concert got increasingly lively as the night went on.