Adjective phrases

An adjective phrase always has an adjective acting as the head. The adjective phrase may also contain words or phrases before or after the head (modifiers and complements):

Adjective (head):

That’s a lovely cake.
These flowers are wonderful.

Adjective preceded by a modifier (underlined):

That soup is pretty cold*.*
Many of the exercises are fairly difficult*.*

Adjective + a modifier after it:

The food was tasty enough*.*
The car is economical for its size*.*

Adjective + a word or phrase which is required to complete its meaning (a complement):

She was aware of the danger of travelling alone*.*
Some people weren’t willing to pay extra to book a seat on the plane*.*

Adjective preceded by a modifier + a word or phrase which is required to complete its meaning (a complement):

We’re not very keen on having an activity holiday*.*
Are you really interested in rock and roll?

Some adjective phrases have more complex structures.