adjective which must be followed by noun

[duiter]

Hi All,

it is about adjective which must be followed by noun

for example 'fun' as an adjective
this dictionary says that fun must be followed by noun

why ?

how do I know that 'this adjective' must be followed by a noun
is there common pattern / rule to make it easier so that I don't have to remember the list of adjectives which must be followed by noun ?

thanks

[duiter]

Thanks for your explanation

I ask this question on the basis of fun definition by Macmillan Dictionary: Free British English English Dictionary Online with Thesaurus

fun - definition of fun, by Macmillan Dictionary: Free English Dictionary Online and Thesaurus.

definition of fun


ADJECTIVE [ONLY BEFORE NOUN] /fʌn/

Once again thanks so much

[corum]

A - Oh, it was fun!

'fun' is not an adjective here.
It was enormous fun. -- an adjective (enormous) does not modify another adjective. An adjective modifies a noun

Just think of this idiom:
http://dictionaries.cambridge.org/de...fun*1+0&dict=I

'games' is a noun and so has to be the other conjoin, 'fun'.

this dictionary says that fun must be followed by noun. Why?

The word class of adjectives have three distinct distributional properties covered by these terms:

- attributive
-postpositive
- predicative

The adjective 'fun' belongs to the attributive class.

Fun - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

[duiter]

To : Corum

Well, Macmillan DIctionary says that fun can be a noun or an adjective

but it functions as an adjective, it must be followed by a noun - see link above from macmillan -- only before a noun

Another thing, is it true that some adjective must be followed by a noun, otherwise the sentence is grammatically incorrect ?

Which adjective is that ? and is there any hint/clue to know which adjective that must be followed with noun ?

Thanks

[emsr2d2]

Please note I have deleted my original reply as it was incorrect. Apologies. This is why I'm not a grammar teacher, but a usage teacher!

[corum]

To : Corum

Well, Macmillan DIctionary says that fun can be a noun or an adjective

That is correct.

but it functions as an adjective, it must be followed by a noun - see link above from macmillan -- only before a noun

But when it functions... . In other words, it is an attributive adjective.

Another thing, is it true that some adjective must be followed by a noun, otherwise the sentence is grammatically incorrect ?

Yes. 'former' has solely such distribution. And so does 'fun' when it is an adj.

former President
President former -- postpositive
President elect -- postpositive
President is former -- predicative

There are many adjectives that can function attributively as well as predicatively:

a happy boy
the boy is happy
nice guy
the guy is nice

Which adjective is that ? and is there any hint/clue to know which adjective that must be followed with noun ?

Thanks

No hint. Adjective distribution is an idiosyncratic feature, that is, unpredictable. Idiomatic stuff.

[corum]

Please note I have deleted my original reply as it was incorrect. Apologies. This is why I'm not a grammar teacher, but a usage teacher!

As long as you devote your time and effort with the sole intention of making other people's life easier, you are a hero. In my eyes you are just like any other helpers here or anywhere. No sweat, I am much worse in English than you still I am here to help (AND LEARN).

[duiter]

To Corum

Thanks for your explanation
your explanation is highly appreciated

Obviously, your English is much better than mine

Have a nice day