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The position of adjectives

The position of adjectives
1) A There are two main positions where an adjective can go. It can go before a noun. Or it can go after a linking verb such as be.

The position before a noun 1s called 'attributive'.

  • It is a large apartment.
  • Canterbury is a lovely city.
  • A noisy party kept us awake.
  • We face a difficult problem.
The position after a linking verb such as be is called ‘predicative'.

  • The apartment is large.
  • Canterbury is lovely.
  • The party seemed very noisy.
  • Things are getting difficult. 
 We can also sometimes put an adjective after a noun.
  • I've got a friend keen on fishing.
Note

a) An adjective can also be an object complement.
  • Why must you make things difficult?
  • A noisy puny kept us awake.
b)  We can use some adjectives in a one-word reply or in an exclamation.
  • I've got enough money. ~ Oh. Good.
  • How cold your hands are!
We can use some adjectives after as or than.
  • Could you let me know as soon as possible, please?
  • Everything was the same as usual.
  • Customers don’t want to spend any more money than necessary.
  • I went to bed later than usual.

We can sometimes use an adjective immediately alter a conjunction.
  • Pick the fruit when ripe (= when it is ripe) 
  • Although confident of victory. We knew it would not be easy. (= although we were confident)
  • Roast the potatoes until crisp. (= until they are crisp) 
  • If possible, I'd like some time to think it over. (= if it is possible)
Note: 

This pattern is used mainly in written English and especially in instructions telling you how to do something. 

In literary English, an adjective can go before or after a noun phrase, separated from it by a comma.
  • Uncertain. the woman hesitated and looked around.
  • The weather, bright and sunny. had brought everyone our of doors.