Page 58 - DENG103_English - I

Unit 5: Parts of Speech: Adjective and Preposition

Review the section on Possessives for a distinction between possessive forms and “adjectival Notes
labels.” (Do you belong to a Writers Club or a Writers’ Club?)
Adjectives that are really Participles, verb forms with-ing and -ed endings, can be troublesome
for some students. It is one thing to be a frightened child; it is an altogether different matter
to be a frightening child. Do you want to go up to your professor after class and say that you
are confused or that you are confusing? Generally, the -ed ending means that the noun so
described (“you”) has a passive relationship with something—something (the subject matter,
the presentation) has bewildered you and you are confused. The -ing ending means that the
noun described has a more active role — you are not making any sense so you are confusing (to
others, including your professor).

The -ed ending modifiers are often accompanied by prepositions (these are not the only choices):
• We were amazed at all the circus animals.
• We were amused by the clowns.
• We were annoyed by the elephants.

• We were bored by the ringmaster.
• We were confused by the noise.

• We were disappointed by the motorcycle daredevils.
• We were disappointed in their performance.
• We were embarrassed by my brother.

• We were exhausted from all the excitement.
• We were excited by the lion-tamer.
• We were excited about the high-wire act, too.

• We were frightened by the lions.
• We were introduced to the ringmaster.
• We were interested in the tent.

• We were irritated by the heat.
• We were opposed to leaving early.

• We were satisfied with the circus.
• We were shocked at the level of noise under the big tent.
• We were surprised by the fans’ response.

• We were surprised at their indifference.
• We were tired of all the lights after a while.

• We were worried about the traffic leaving the parking lot.

A-Adjectives

The most common of the so-called a- adjectives are ablaze, afloat, afraid, aghast, alert, alike,
alive, alone, aloof, ashamed, asleep, averse, awake, aware. These adjectives will primarily
show up as predicate adjectives (i.e., they come after a linking verb).

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