1.
Identify the attributive adjective in the sentence: The diligent student completed the assignment early.
Correct Answer
A. Diligent
Explanation
An attributive adjective appears before the noun it modifies. In the sentence "The diligent student studies every night," the word "diligent" describes "student" and is positioned directly before it. This placement classifies "diligent" as an attributive adjective. Unlike predicative adjectives, which follow a linking verb, attributive adjectives are always found before the noun they modify, making them essential for adding detail directly within a noun phrase.
2.
Choose the correct placement of the attributive adjective in the sentence: The _____ scientist won an award.
Correct Answer
A. Intelligent
Explanation
Attributive adjectives are placed directly before the noun they modify. For example, in the phrase "an intelligent scientist," the word "intelligent" describes "scientist" and appears right before it. This placement ensures that "intelligent" is an attributive adjective. It differs from a predicative adjective, which follows a linking verb, such as in "The scientist is intelligent." Attributive adjectives help provide immediate descriptive information about the noun they modify.
3.
Which sentence correctly uses an attributive adjective?
Correct Answer
B. The delicious cake was homemade.
Explanation
Attributive adjectives must be placed before the noun they describe. Consider the sentence "The delicious cake was homemade." Here, "delicious" describes the noun "cake" and is positioned before it, making it an attributive adjective. If the sentence were written as "The cake was delicious," "delicious" would function as a predicative adjective instead. Attributive adjectives add essential descriptive details that enhance the clarity and richness of a sentence.
4.
Select the sentence where "blue" is an attributive adjective.
Correct Answer
B. The blue dress is beautiful.
Explanation
"Blue" is an attributive adjective in "The blue dress is beautiful" because it directly modifies "dress." Attributive adjectives always come before the noun they describe. However, adjectives can also be used predicatively, as in "The dress is blue," where "blue" follows a linking verb instead. When used attributively, adjectives help create vivid noun phrases that provide immediate descriptive information, making sentences more precise and engaging.
5.
Identify the attributive adjective in: A fierce storm approached the shore.
Correct Answer
A. Fierce
Explanation
"Fierce" is an attributive adjective because it comes before and modifies the noun "storm." In the sentence "A fierce storm approached the coast," "fierce" gives more detail about the storm's intensity. If written as "The storm was fierce," the adjective would be used predicatively instead. Attributive adjectives play a key role in creating strong, vivid imagery by appearing before nouns and shaping how they are perceived by the reader or listener.
6.
Find the attributive adjective phrase: The highly skilled artist painted a masterpiece.
Correct Answer
C. Highly skilled
Explanation
"Highly skilled" is an attributive adjective phrase because both "highly" and "skilled" work together to describe "artist." In the phrase "A highly skilled artist painted the mural," "highly" is an adverb modifying the adjective "skilled," which in turn modifies "artist." Together, they form an attributive adjective phrase. Such phrases enhance descriptions by adding layers of meaning, allowing for more precise communication of characteristics, expertise, or qualities in a single noun phrase.
7.
Which sentence contains an attributive adjective?
Correct Answer
B. The deep river flows swiftly.
Explanation
"Deep" is an attributive adjective in "The deep river flows swiftly" because it is placed before "river" and provides descriptive information. Attributive adjectives are positioned directly before the noun they modify to give immediate detail. If the sentence were changed to "The river is deep," the adjective would become predicative instead. The attributive placement of "deep" in the original sentence allows for a more natural, fluid description of the river's characteristics.
8.
Choose the correct attributive adjective order: She adopted a _____ puppy.
Correct Answer
A. Cute little
Explanation
In English, adjectives follow a specific order. For example, "Little" (size) comes before "cute" (opinion), making "cute little" the correct order in "a cute little puppy." If reversed as "a little cute puppy," the phrase would sound unnatural. This order rule applies to multiple adjectives describing a noun. English adjectives generally follow a pattern: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, and purpose, ensuring clarity in description.
9.
Identify the attributive adjective in: The ancient ruins attract many tourists.
Correct Answer
A. Ancient
Explanation
"Ancient" is an attributive adjective because it appears before "ruins" and describes their age. In the sentence "The ancient ruins stood untouched for centuries," the word "ancient" modifies "ruins" and provides important historical context. If rewritten as "The ruins are ancient," the adjective would function predicatively. Attributive adjectives add detail directly within the noun phrase, helping the reader quickly understand specific characteristics about the noun without requiring additional explanation.
10.
Select the sentence with an attributive adjective.
Correct Answer
B. The dark clouds covered the sky.
Explanation
"Dark" is an attributive adjective in "The dark clouds covered the sky" because it comes before the noun "clouds" and modifies it. By appearing before the noun, "dark" provides immediate descriptive information. If rewritten as "The clouds are dark," the adjective would be used predicatively instead. Attributive adjectives are useful for creating more visually engaging sentences by giving direct, vivid descriptions that help readers or listeners quickly grasp the meaning of a phrase.