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AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
By
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
By
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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
LAW OF ATTRACTION
Desire. Get a strong enthusiasm for that which you want in your life, a real longing for
something which is not there now.
Decision. Know definitely what it is that you want, what it is that you want to
do or have, and be willing to pay in spiritual values.
Ask. [When sure and enthusiastic] ask for it in simple, concise language.
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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, I would like to express my greatest gratitude to the Jesus Christ and
Mother Maria for the blessing, protection, and wonderful time in Jogjakarta. I had never
thought that I could go through this three and a half years without Him and Mother
Maria.
I am indebted a gratitude to Dr. Francis Borgias Alip, MPd.,M.A. as my advisor
for his time, advice, understanding and patience in guiding me during the writing of my
undergraduate thesis. I would like to say “thank you” to Adventina Putranti, S.S.,
M.Hum., my co-advisor for the time to read this thesis and help me make some revisions
on it.
Next, I thank my lovely father and mother, who have given me a chance to have
my study in Sadhar, and my dearest sisters who always encourage and support me in
finishing my study.
Beside, I address my gratitude to all my friends I have in Jogjakarta. I thank them
for the happy and sad time that we have together.
The last but not least, my thanks go to all outstanding people who I have met in
Jogjakarta. I have learned many significant values from all of them.
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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION......................................................................... 1
A. Background of the Study.......................................................................... 1
B. Problem Formulation................................................................................ 4
C. Objectives of the Study............................................................................. 4
D. Benefits of the Study................................................................................ 4
E. Definition of Terms.................................................................................. 5
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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION............................................................................... 69
BIBLIOGRAPHY..................................................................................................... 71
APPENDECIS .......................................................................................................... 75
Appendix 1..................................................................................................... 75
Appendix 2..................................................................................................... 99
Appendix 3..................................................................................................... 107
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ABSTRACT
An adjective phrase, which has the same distribution and function as an adjective,
plays an important role in the construction of simple or complex sentences. An adjective
phrase is a phrase which has an adjective as its head. It may consist of a single adjective
or complete elements like in the Phrase-bar theory. It needs other phrases when it occurs
in complex form. The phrases have their functions in the structure of an adjective phrase.
This thesis will study the position, the elements and the elements' functions of the
adjective phrases that have been identified in both www.bbc.co.uk (UK version) and
www.washingtonpost.com news articles issued in October 2007. They are chosen because
they are mostly accessed by people when looking for the crucial news every day.
Thus, this study has three objectives. The first objective is to identify the adjective
phrase and to observe its position. The second objective is to find out and to analyze the
elements that occur in the adjective phrases. The last objective is to categorize the phrases
and the clauses as the elements of the adjective phrases based on their function.
In order to achieve three objectives, a descriptive study of language is applied. It
describes the adjective phrases that are used by the news articles in the two websites. The
analysis of this study is based on corpus and data that are collected regarding three
characteristics of the descriptive linguistic; objective, empirical and exact.
From the analysis, it can be concluded that 533 adjective phrases or 74,70% are
found in attributive, 127 or 18,81% in predicative and only 15 or 2,22% postpositive
position. Most of the adjective phrases are constructed in bare form 508 or 75,25%. The
rests are in a complex form 167 or 24,74%. In the complex form, the adjective phrase
occurs with phrases and clauses and the percentage of each occurrence is as follows: the
intensifier phrase is 78 or about 11,55%, the prepositional phrase is 29 or 4,29%, the
adverb phrase is 15 or 2,22%, the verb phrase is 12 or 1,77%, the noun phrase is 4 or
0,59% and the clause is 7 or 1,03% . The phrases or clauses have certain functions in the
structure of the adjective phrase. They may fill namely: complement, attribute, adjunct
and specifier. A prepositional phrase, verb phrase, noun phrase and clause can function as
a complement of an adjective phrase when they are selected by the head to complete the
head's meaning. The next element of the head is an attribute. The elements of the
adjective phrase that can occur as the attributes are an intensifier phrase, adverb phrase
and noun phrase. The other element is an adjunct. A verb phrase, prepositional phrase and
clause can function as the adjunct if they only give additional information to the head of
the adjective phrases. The last function of the elements is a specifier; articles the and
demonstrative pronoun that and this. The adjective phrases in most cases do not have a
specifier and the consequence is that the specifier position is rarely filled.
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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
ABSTRAK
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specifier; artikel the dan kata ganti demonstratif that dan this. Satu fungsi yang jarang
dipenuhi dalam frase kata sifat yang ditemukan dalam artikel-artikel berita tersebut
adalah specifier.
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
used for communication. The system meant by Wardaugh is that language is a system
with several levels, namely phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Phonology
deals with the way sounds used in individual languages. Morphology studies the structure
of words. Syntax concerns with the structure of phrases and sentences, and semantics
states:
sentences. The texts either simple or complex will be followed fully when having a
thorough knowledge about syntax by analyzing the structure of the elements in sentences.
Furthermore, the clear understanding of syntax will be helpful in producing a good article
or text by smartly combining the elements of the sentences. To build up the good and
correct sentences, phrases play important roles. An adjective phrase is one of the phrases
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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
An adjective phrase is a phrase which has an adjective as its head. It may consist
of a single adjective or complete elements like in the X-bar theory. It needs other phrases
like a noun phrase, verb phrase, adverb phrase and prepositional phrase when it occurs in
complex form. It has the same distribution and function as an adjective (Asher, 1994:
5150).
Quirk classify the syntactic functions of the adjectives into seven. First function is
attributive and predicative. The adjectives are attributive when they premodify the head
of a noun phrase, e.g. a small garden. They are predicative when they function as subject
complement or object complement, e.g. He seems careless (Cs); I find him careless (Co).
The second function is postpositive. The adjectives can immediately follow the noun or
pronoun they modify, e.g. something useful. The third is the adjectives with
postposition, e.g. I know an actor suitable for the part. The fourth is the adjectives as
heads of noun phrases. The adjectives can function as heads of noun phrases, which can
be subject of the sentence, complement, object, and prepositional complement, e.g. The
innocent are often deceived by the unscrupulous; She admires the mystical. The fifth is
verbless clauses. The adjectives can function as the sole realization of a verbless clause,
e.g. The man, quietly assertive, spoke to the assembled workers. The sixth function is
contingent verbless clauses. One type of verbless clause, which is often introduced by a
subordinator, expresses the circumstance or condition under which what is said in the
superordinate clause applies, e.g. Right or wrong, he always comes off worst in an
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
argument because of the his inability to speak correctly. The last function is exclamatory
adjective clauses. The adjectives can be exclamation, with or without an initial wh-
Based on the syntactic function of the adjectives, it is clear that the adjective
phrase, which has the same distribution and function as an adjective (Asher, 1994: 5150),
also plays an important role in the construction of simple or complex sentences. That is
why, the writer choose “adjective phrase” as the study. In this thesis, the syntactic
contribution of the adjective phrase in sentences will not be the concern since it has
become the study of other writers. As consequence, this study will focus on the adjective
phrase itself; the elements and the elements' functions of the adjective phrase.
The aims of this study are to find, to analyze, and to discuss the position of the
adjective phrases, the elements and the elements' functions of the adjective phrases that
In this study, the writer will use the adjective phrases in www.bbc.co.uk (UK
version) and www.washingtonpost.com articles as the source of the data. BBC (British
Broadcasting Corporation) is the first and biggest broadcasting organization in the United
Kingdom. The scientific origins of broadcasting are over 100 years old. Washington Post
Company is the international news and communications company. The Washington Post
is one of the most respected daily newspapers in the United States. It means that both
websites will serve crucial news in the world every day. They also cover current and
hottest news and also present explicit information which denotes time and place very
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
well. That is why www.bbc.co.uk (UK version) and www.washingtonpost.com are used as
B. PROBLEM FORMULATION
located?
2. What are the elements of the adjective phrases in www.bbc.co.uk (UK version)
This study has three objectives. The first objective is to identify the adjective
issued on October 2007 and to observe their position which can be in attributive,
predicative or postpositive position. The second objective is to find out and to analyze the
elements that occur in the adjective phrases in www.bbc.co.uk (UK version) and
phrase, noun phrase, verb phrase, prepositional phrase, adjective phrase, intensifier
phrase and clauses. The third objective is to categorize the phrases and the clauses as the
elements of the adjective phrases based on their function. The elements can function as a
Theoretically, it is expected that the findings will give more contribution to the
study of phrases especially the adjective phrase. This study is helpful for readers to enrich
their knowledge about the adjective phrase like where the adjective phrase can be located
in sentences, what can be the elements of the adjective phrase and how the function of the
elements in the adjective phrase is. Particularly this study is useful for the readers who
want to compare the adjective phrases in the BBC and Washington Post on-line news
articles issued on October 2007. Moreover, it is essential that the readers can produce the
E. DEFINATION OF TERMS
Some terms are basically used in this thesis: adjective, phrase, and adjective
phrase.
(Quirk et al, 1985: 418). The adjectives are attributive when it modifies its noun directly
(Bhat, 1994: 98). The adjectives used in predicative position function as subject
complement after linking verb like be, seem, look, feel and object complement after verbs
like consider, believe, find (Leech,1979: 193). The postpositive adjectives are adjectives
that immediately follow the noun or pronoun they modify (Quirk et al, 1985: 1293).
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL REVIEW
Chapter II will cover three parts; review of related studies, review of related
theories and theoretical framework. The first part is the review of another study that also
concerns about adjective phrase. Another study is needed to show the position of this
current study. The second part is the review of theories that are used to accomplish the
thesis. The theory of the adjective position is important since it will be helpful in the
identification of the adjective phrase. Next, the review of the adjective phrase will
include more explanation about the occurrence of the adjective phrase with its element,
either in a minimal or complex form. The theory of the adjective phrase structure will be
a significance part in the review since it shows how the adjective phrase is structured by
using an X-Bar theory. Then, the review will also include the theories of other phrases
and clause since they are the elements of the adjective phrase. The last part is the
theoretical framework. It shows how the theories and another study are related to the
This review will discuss the findings of two researches that have relation with this
study. The findings are the result of Sanata Dharma University student's thesis researches.
First, a thesis entitled An Analysis on the Structure and the Use of Adjective
Phrases in Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome by Patricia Dewanti Nur Prastiwi, 1999, tries to
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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
analyze the elements and the use of adjective phrases in Edith Wharton's novel entitled
Enthan Frome. From her research, the writer concludes that adjunct is the most frequently
used element since it has four categories of adjective phrase adjunct. Although adjunct is
the most frequently used element, there are a great number of adverb phrases which have
a function as an adjective phrase attributes. She also states that the adjective phrases give
a specific meaning to the sentences. The elimination of adjective phrases may differ the
Furthermore, the adjective phrases in Ethan Frome have three types of adjective
phrase elements. The first type is a complement. A complement is always attached to the
right of the head. There are 82 complements appear in the novel. An adjective phrase may
take some phrasal categories as its complement, namely a prepositional phrase, to-
infinitive verb phrase, and clause. There are 38 prepositional phrases, 30 to-infinitive
verb phrases, and 14 clauses occur in the novel as the adjective phrase complements. The
adjective phrases occur in the novel. The adjective phrases take an intensifier phrase and
an adverb phrase as its attribute. There are 22 intensifier phrases and 68 adverb phrases in
the novel as the adjective phrase attributes. The third type of adjective phrase element is
an adjunct. There are 94 in the novel. There are 42 prepositional phrases, 33 clauses, 12
adverb phrases, and 7 to-infinitive verb phrases functioning as the adjective phrase
adjuncts. Adjective phrases have three functions in sentences. The first function of
adjective phrases is the attribute of noun phrases. There are 1119 adjectives functioning
as the attributes of noun phrase. The second function of adjective phrases is as the subject
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
complement. There are 293 adjective phrases functioning as the subject complement. The
third function of adjective phrases is as the object complement. There are 79 adjective
Second, another thesis titled A study on English Adjective Phrases in the Fashion
and Style Articles on New York Times Published in December 2002 and January 2003 by
Holan Nauli Christine Siahaan, 2003, analyzes the occurrence of the adjective phrase in
sentence and its elements on New York Times Published in December 2002 and January
2003. From her research, the writer concludes that an adjective phrase occurs in a
attributes are the intensifier elements such as so, very, too, still, etc, adverbs, and the
comparison. However, the specifiers are determiners that or this that function as the
condition of the head. While a post-modifier element can be adjuncts and complements.
Adjuncts are the optional elements because they only give circumstantial information to
the head adjectives. An adjunct can be a preposition phrase, verb phrase (to-infinitive), or
clause from. The only adverb taking the position of adjunct is enough. The comparison
adjectives can function as the adjunct in the adjective phrase structures as they are giving
comparison more or less can not leave their attribute elements. Meanwhile, the
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Moreover, for its presence in sentences, an adjective phrase has two functions:
attributive and predicative. As attributive, the adjective phrase heads have a minimal
This current study is similar to the thesis done by Prastiwi and Nauli. First, this
study is also about the adjective phrase. Second, the discussion of this study also includes
the analysis about the elements of the adjective phrases and their functions. However, this
current study is different from the previous studies. First, this current study will have
discussion about the position of the adjective phrase in the sentences. Second, this study
uses the different source as the data of the analysis. This study takes the adjective phrases
discuss deeper the use of the adjective phrases in Ethan Frome and New York Times.
Prastiwi only took the adjective phrases from Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome and Nauli
1. Position of Adjectives
predicative and postpositive (1985: 418). An adjective phrase has the same distribution
and function as an adjective (Asher, 1994: 5150). As a result, the adjective phrase is also
11
The adjectives are attributive when it modifies its noun directly and names an
attribute of the noun (Emlyn, 1950: 81). They are placed between the determiners and the
head of NP it modifies, for example: the old lady and a small hostel. The adjectives can
modify the head of an NP and also becomes the head of an NP. When they modify the
head noun, the emphasis is on denoting a property associated with the meaning of the
head, whereas they are used as the head of NP they emphasize on denoting a property or
There are three types of adjectives that are used as the head of NP (Quirk,
1990:138). The first type adjectives refer to certain fairly well-established classes of
(2) The government will have to supply jobs for our unemployed.
(3) The rules are fair for both the poor and the rich.
The adjectives the very lazy, our unemployed, or both poor and rich have plural and
generic reference. The use of the definite article shows the generic reference.
The second type is adjectives that refer to nationalities. Sometimes they are used
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(1994; 61)
linking verb like be, seem, look, feel and object complement after verbs like consider,
can follow NP, finite clause, and non-finite clause (Quirk et al, 1985: 417).
They express the result of the process denoted by the verbs, for example:
(14) They pushed the door close (=the door can be closed)
independent element. The sign of independent that the predicative adjectives have is their
13
The postpositive adjectives are adjectives that can immediately follow the noun or
pronoun they modify. They are divided into three types. First, the postpositive adjectives
required by the head of an NP include indefinite pronouns ending in -body, -one, and
The first and second types of the postpositive adjectives are always regarded the reduced
relative clause.
combinations such as The President elect and blood royal (Quirk et al, 1985: 1293).
Like the other types of phrases, an adjective phrase may also have five phrase
elements. They are a head, complement, attribute, adjunct and specifier. They have
certain function in their occurrences within the adjective phrase that is explained in the
following part.
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certain phrase may cause an ill-formed construction (1979: 220). An adjective may need
or not need a complement. The adjectives angry and different need a complement.
The complement of angry is the prepositional phrase with some students, and the
complement of different is the prepositional phrase from her sister. The heads need the
Smith's anger, and from her sister is needed to show who Mary is very different from.
The complements of angry and ambitious are not stated since the speaker of the sentences
only want to give the fact that Mr. Robinson was very angry and the manager is
ambitious.
A complement can not be separated from the head because of their close
sentences.
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An adjective may take several phrase categories as its complement. The first
Good takes at mathematics and responsible takes for the refreshment as their
complement.
adjective (Dwijatmoko, 2002: 23). First, the noun phrase, which functions as the
for?
The refreshment is replaced by what and Mark is replaced by who form a question.
Second, the noun phrase, which functions as the complement of preposition, can
The refreshment and Mark become the focuses of (30) and (31) respectively.
Third, the noun phrase, which functions as the complement of preposition, can
16
The refreshment and Mark become the focuses of (32) and (33) respectively.
To study abroad and to swim are complements of the adjectives eager and ready. Those
three tests that are used to identify a prepositional phrase as the complement of an
adjective are also applicable for a to-infinitive verb phrase. First, a to-infinitive adjective
To study abroad and to swim are the answers of questions (36) and (37).
To study abroad and to swim are the focus of the cleft sentences.
sentence.
To study abroad and to swim are the focus of the pseudo-cleft sentences.
17
clause. The adjectives like sure, certain, and doubtful take a whether clause as their
complement.
(42) Rita is still doubtful whether she will join the club or not.
(43) The kids are afraid that their parents leave them.
Whether she join the club or not is the complement of doubtful and that their parents
leave them is the complement of afraid. A clause adjective complement also can be
identified using those three tests. First, a clause adjective complement is an answer to a
what question.
Whether she join the club or not and that their parents leave them are the answer of
(46) It is whether she join the club or not that Rita is still doubtful.
(47) It is that their parents leave them that the kids are afraid.
Whether she join the club or not and that their parents leave them are the focus of the
cleft sentences.
(48) What Rita is still doubtful is whether she join the club or not.
(49) What the kids are afraid is that their parents leave them.
Whether she join the club or not and that their parents leave them are the focus of the
pseudo-cleft sentences.
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adjective complement can be identified using a paraphrase; the noun phrase is changed
Free in (50) takes context as its complement, and sensitive on (51) takes gender as its
complement.
Not all adjectives needs a complement. The adjectives long, wide and expensive
b. An attribute is an element that shows the characteristics of the head. There are four
types of phrases that can be attributes (Dwijatmoko, 2002:27). The first phrase is an
intensifier phrase. The intensifiers are very, quite, rather, fairly, and too.
Very and quite are the attributes of adjectives easy and expensive.
Physically and emotionally are the attributes of adjectives tired and mature.
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The noun phrases two years and crystal are the attributes of the adjectives old and clear.
(62) How easy is the book? (66) In what aspect is the book easy?
(63) How tired are the workers? (67)In what aspect are the workers tired?
(65) How blue is her dress? (69) In what aspect is her dress blue?
information on the state or condition. An adjective may take several categories as its
prepositional phrase.
At the beginning and In the first semester are the adjuncts of adjectives good and lazy. At
the beginning shows the part of the film which is good. In the first semester shows the
time when Rudy was very lazy. A prepositional phrase as an adjective adjunct can be
identified by using when, where, or another question that asks circumstantial information.
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The prepositional phrase of the adjective adjunct is different from a prepositional phrase
that functions as adjective complement since the noun phrase in the prepositional phrase
The second category of the adjective adjunct is a to-infinitive verb phrase. The
to-infinitive adjective adjunct can be identified using three tests. First, the sentence can
be paraphrased with the to-infinitive adjective adjunct as the subject of the sentence.
Second, the sentence can be paraphrased into a cleft sentence in which the to-infinitive
verb phrase becomes the focus of the cleft sentence and the noun phrase which becomes
the subject of the sentence becomes the complement of the verb phrase.
Third, the sentence can be paraphrased into a pseudo-cleft sentence with the to-infinitive
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That you came is the adjunct of the adjective good. A that clause adjunct only
That you come on time is not adjunct of glad but it is the complement of glad.
d. Specifier
Very comfortable in (82) is an adjective phrase. It has an attribute, very, and the head
comfortable but it does not have a specifier. An adjective phrase may have that or this as
(83) I just move from Venus hotel. That hotel is not this comfortable.
This is the specifier of comfortable and this comfortable means 'as comfortable as the
This is a specifier while comfortable is the head of the adjective phrase. The below tree
diagram will describe how the structure of the adjective phrase is:
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(85). AP
DP A'
this comfortable
The structure of this adjective phrase is based on X-Bar Theory. The X-bar theory is the
theory for the formation of phrases, and has a universal value. It applies to all types of
phrases in all human languages. In the X-bar theory, any element of a syntactic unit
The X-Bar theory shows how the adjective phrase is constructed based on the
The adverb phrase really is an attribute, and the prepositional phrase at the beginning is
an adjunct. The adjective phrase does not have a complement so the lowest A' goes down
to A. The below tree diagram describes how the structure of the adjective phrase is:
(87) AP
A'
A' PP
AdvP A'
at the beginning
really A
good
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The prepositional phrase with some students is the complement of angry and is, therefore,
a sister of A. The below tree diagram will describe how the structure of the adjective
phrase is:
(89) AP
A'
A PP
That is a specifier, and to solve is an adjunct. The head take does not take a complement.
The below tree diagram will describe the structure of the adjective phrase based on each
element function:
(91) AP
DP A'
A' VP
24
The adjective good takes a specifier, a complement, an attribute, and an adjunct. That is
the specifier, in sports is the complement, really is the attribute,and in his youth is the
adjunct. The next tree diagram will describe the structure of the adjective phrase based on
(93) AP
DP A'
A' PP
AdvP A'
A PP
The elements of the adjective phrase: that, really, good, in sports, in his youth are phrases
eventhough they have no branch because all elements in X-bar theory are phrases, except
the head. The specifier that is a daughter of the maximal projection (AP) and a sister of
the A'. The prepositional phrase, in his youth, as an adjunct is both a daughter and a sister
of the A'. The intensifier phrase, really, as an attribute is both a sister and daughter of A'.
The closest element to the head, a complement in sports, is a daughter of A' and sister of
The other phrases beside an adjective phrase are a noun phrase, verb phrase,
adverb phrase, intensifier phrase, and prepositional phrase. The first four phrases derive
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25
their names from the head of the phrases, a verb, adjective and adverb. A prepositional
phrase is different from those fourth because it has no head word only a preposition. As
A noun phrase is a phrase which occurs with a noun as the head (Dwijatmoko,
2002: 10). The noun phrases occur before the head of the adjective. The occurrence in
the adjective phrase as the complement, completes the meaning of the adjective; context-
free, gender-sensitive and its occurrence as the attribute, shows the characteristics of the
A verb phrase is a phrase which occurs with a verb as the head (Dwijatmoko,
2002: 37). According to Dwijatmoko, English verbs are usually classified into three
classes: full, linking and auxiliary. Full verbs, like go, eat, plan, decide, and arrive,
comprise the largest number of verbs. Linking verbs form a small set of verbs, like be,
become, feel, seem and taste. Auxiliary verbs are further classified into modal auxiliary
verbs like can, may, must and will, aspectual auxiliary verbs be and have, auxiliary verb
of voice be and auxiliary verb of status do/ does/ did (2002: 37). The verb phrase that
occur on the adjective phrase is a to-infinitive verb phrase. The to-infinitive verb phrase
occurs after the adjective. Its function can be both an adjunct and a complement. The
to-infinitive verb phrase as the adjunct gives the circumstantial information on the state
Meanwhile, the to-infinitive verb phrase as the complement completes the meaning of
Then, an adverb phrase has as its head adverb (Jackson, 1982: 79). Adverb
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phrase can be classified into three classes: simple adverb, compound adverb, derivational
adverb. Simple adverbs are like just, only, well, back, and under. Compound adverbs are
like somehow, and somewhere. Derivational adverbs are like oddly, interestingly, and
clockwise (Quirk & Greenbaum, 1990: 147). The occurrence of the adverb phrase in the
adjective phrase is before the adjective and functions as an attribute. It shows the
characteristics of the adjective, for example: physically tired and emotionally mature.
Afterwards, an Intensifier phrase occurs before the adjective, for example: the
(Jackson, 1982: 80). In the adjective phrase, it occurs after the adjective and it can
function a complement or adjunct. The examples of its function as the complement are
“very different from her sister” and “angry with some students”. The two prepositional
phrase completes the meaning of the adjectives. The examples of its function as the
adjunct are “lazy in the first semester” and “sick for two days”. The two prepositional
sentences are composed. A sentence may consist of one or more than one clause (1979:
211). The clause occurs after the adjective and it can function as a complement or
still doubtful whether she will join the club or not; The kids are afraid that their parents
information on the state or condition, for example: It is good that you came.
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C. Theoretical Framework
The ability to put words together to form phrases and sentences that express our
thought is a part of basic requirements to master a language. The part of grammar that
represents the speaker's knowledge of the structure of phrases and sentences both in
writing and speaking is called syntax (Fromkin and Rodman, 1993:73). In the role of
syntax, an adjective phrase plays a very important role in forming a phrase, clause, or
This theory states that there are three positions of adjectives: attributive e.g. the
agricultural development, predicative e.g. I believe her happy, and postpositive e.g.
everything metal. This theory is used to answer the first question of problem formulation
since it discusses three possible positions where the adjective can be found in a sentence
by explaining further about the syntactic environment and function of each position. By
mastering the theory of the adjectives' position, it will be helpful to identify adjective
phrase in a sentence and also differentiate one adjective phrase's position from others.
An adjective may occur in a bare form, minimal form or complex form. When an
adjective phrase occurs in the bare form, it is only the head, adjective e.g. the crazy man.
In the minimal form the head adjective occurs with specifier e.g. that young. However,
when it occurs in complex form, it has other phrases or clause as its elements that give a
specific effect to the adjective: an adjective phrase, noun phrase, verb phrase, adverb
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
28
phrase, intensifier phrase, prepositional phrase. This theory will be used to solve the
second question of the problem formulation since it discusses the phrases or clauses that
may occur with the adjective to form the adjective phrase, with more explanation about
their possible role or effect in each occurrence. This theory is useful to determine whether
the phrases occur around the adjective are the elements of the adjective phrase or not and
to identify the role or specific effect that the phrases might contribute to the adjective.
This theory will be used to answer the third question of the problem formulation
since the X-Bar demonstrates how the adjective phrase is constructed based on the
function of each element. By mastering this theory, it will be easier to identify the
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
A. Object of Study
The object of the study in the thesis is adjective phrases that appear in
October 2007. BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is the first and biggest
are over 100 years old. In other hand, Washington Post Company is the international
news and communications company. The Washington Post is one of the most respected
daily newspapers in the United States. It means that both websites are mostly accessed by
people when they are looking for the crucial news every day. The writer chose the news
articles issued in October 2007 because the writer had made a plan to collect the articles
on that time. That was why www.bbc.co.uk (UK version) and www.washingtonpost.com
news articles issued in October 2007 were considered as a source in this research.
B. Method of Study
linguistic pattern used by authors or speakers either in written or spoken language (1995:
42). The linguist must provide a scientific explanation while conducting the study.
Another linguist, Dinneen (1967: 4-5), announces that the linguistics as scientific study
has three characteristics. The first characteristics is objective. It means that the proofs and
29
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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the evidence of the analysis must be served to reach a certain conclusion. The second is
empirical. It means that the evidence that has been found will be proven. The last is exact.
C. Research Procedure
The thesis study will conduct two steps: data collection and data analysis.
1. Data Collection
The initial step was to choose the usage of the news articles from www.bbc.co.uk
(UK version) and www.washingtonpost.com as the source of the data. The writer
downloaded the news articles issued in October 2007 from the two websites. The writer
browsed on Internet four times a week to get all the main news of the week and each time
the writer got 8 articles: 4 articles from www.bbc.co.uk (UK version) and 4 from
www.washingtonpost.com. The four news articles were the top news of each field:
politics, health, education, and entertainment. The writer picked out those fields because
they appeared in both websites. As result, the population was 128 articles. The writer
would do a quota random sampling because the whole population would result in the big
number of data. A quota random sampling is a random sampling that is done to get a
certain quantity of data. A random sampling is a sampling in which each member for the
entire population has an equal chance of being included, and that no numbers of the
population may be systematically excluded (Sprinthall et al, 1991:28). The writer only
took 25% of the 128 articles, 32 articles as the samples, by having a lottery to get four
articles from the possible sixteen articles of each field and each website. The lottery was
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
31
the way to have the random sampling. The writer renamed the articles of each field and
each website into number 1-16. Next, the writer made a numbering 1-16 on sixteen small
piece of papers and then took 4 papers by lottery. The numbers that came out in the
lottery determined the articles that would be used as the samples. The writer read the
articles and identified the adjective phrases as the data. Next, the writer retyped the
sentences that contained adjective phrases and made them in italic. There were 675
adjective phrases that became the object of the analysis in this thesis.
2. Data Analysis
Based on the order of the questions stated in problem formulation, some steps
were applied to analyze the data in the thesis. The first question was the position of the
adjective phrase. By using the theory of adjectives' position as reference, the writer
categorized the adjective phrases into attributive, predicative or postpositive. The result
was summed up and put in a table constructed in such a way that it could help the writer
analyzing the data effectively. The second question was the elements of the adjective
phrases. By applying the theory of adjective phrases' elements, the grouping of the
adjective phrase based on the occurrence with other phrases; noun phrase, prepositional
phrase, verb phrase, adverb phrase, intensifier phrase, or even another adjective phrase
and with clauses; that clause and whether-clause. The result was also summed up and put
in a table constructed in such a way that it could help the writer analyzing the data
effectively. The third question was the functions of the adjective phrases' elements. By
operating the X-Bar theory, the other phrases and the clauses would be synthesized into a
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32
head, complement, attribute, adjunct and specifier. As a result, the function of each
element in the adjective phrase would be revealed. Finally, the last step was to draw a
conclusion.
The analysis which characteristics were objective, empirical and exact was done
based on descriptive linguistics as the scientific study. In order to reach a conclusion, the
CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
October 2007. The second question is about the elements of the adjective phrases. The
third is about the function of those elements in the adjective phrases' structure. The
adjective phrases that are identified from the news articles are observed further by
This chapter is consist of three parts. The first part talks about the position of
adjective phrases. The second discusses the elements of adjective phrase. The third is
about their function in adjective phrases' structure. Each part uses some sentences or
predicative and postpositive (1985: 418). The distribution of the adjective phrases in the
news articles is that the adjective phrases are commonly found in the attributive and
predicative positions. The below table gives more illustration about the distribution.
33
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Table 1
The table shows that the adjective phrases identified from the news articles in
those websites are commonly found in the attributive position, about 533 adjective
phrases or 78,96%. The number of the adjective phrases in the predicative position is
about 127 adjective phrases or 18,81% and only 15 adjective phrases or 2,22% in the
postpositive position.
The further analysis of each position of the adjective phrases will be shown in the
next part.
1. Attributive Position
phrase specifies and gives more information about the head like in (1) and (2).
In (1) the adjective private that becomes an attribute of the head noun conversation gives
the detailed information about the conversation by giving the information about the type.
It is not the usual conversation but the extraordinary one with the private type as its
characteristics. In (2) the adjective stark gives the specific information about the choice.
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The choice is not common one but it is the stark one. However, as the head of a noun
abstract references. In the news article there is only one adjective phrase that functions as
(3) The elderly or anybody who has any kind of really kind of life-threatening
illness will end up being euthanized by wait lists. (post.com, 22 October 2007)
The elderly in (3) denotes a category of people as the definite article the has generic
phrases like biblically and unusually in (4) and (5), the intensifier phrases like very and
every in (6) and (7), and noun phrases like antibiotic in (8). However, the adjective
phrases can not be postmodified like the adjectives phrases in predicative and
postpositive position.
The heads of attributive adjective phrases can also be constructed in the comparison form
as follows:
36
bigger in (9) and lowest in (10) are inflected with -er and -est to construct a comparative
and superlative form while more political in (11) and most blatant in (12) are premodified
2. Predicative Position
In the predicative position, an adjective has two functions: the subject and object
(13) There is a growing recognition that "what happens in early life is really
important for what happens decades later,"... (App 1, was B.I, 18)
(14) She said: "Early diagnosis is essential if we are ever to develop treatments
that can change the course or halt the progression of dementia rather than just
(15) Drinking at levels which are hazardous to health is rife in ...(App 1, bbc B.I,
24)
(16) In fact, the estimate makes MRSA much more common than flesh-eating
(17) those patients and parents who find the use of bath emollients both soothing
in (13) in which really important for what happens decades later follows what happens
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in early life then a NP like in (14) in which essential if we are ever to develop treatments
... follows early diagnosis, next a non-finite clause as in (15) in which hazardous to
health follows drinking at levels. As an object complement like in (16) and (17), the
predicative adjective phrases follows direct objects, MRSA and the use of bath
emollients. Much more common than flesh-eating strep infections in (16) and both
soothing and extremely beneficial in (17) express the result of the process denoted by the
verb make and find so that they are similar with MRSA is much more common than
flesh-eating strep infections and the use of bath emollients is both soothing and
extremely beneficial.
The predicative adjective phrases can be premodified by the adverb phrase like
strikingly in (18) and intensifier phrase like very in (19) and so (20). In addition, the
adjective phrases can be postmodified by prepositional phrase like between the two
groups in (18), to-infinitive verb phrase like to get policies across in (19), and that-
clause like (that) it could even seize assets from people...in (20).
(18) Levels of a number of proteins were strikingly different between the two
(19) Sir Menzies said he resigned because the media's obsession with his age
(20) Its powers were so extensive (that) it could even seize assets from people who
had not been convicted of any crime. (App 1, bbc A.I, 14)
finite clause like than we had thought in (20), than+pronoun like than others in (21), and
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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(20) "This indicates these life-threatening MRSA infections are much more
common than we had thought," Fridkin said. (App 1, was B.II, 42)
(21) Some faculty are more skilled at it than others. (App 1, was D.II, 40)
per 1,000 women but highest in Eastern Europe at 44 abortions per 1,000 women.
3. Postpositive Position
The postpositive adjective phrases are the adjective phrases that immediately
follows the noun or pronoun they modify. In the news articles, there are only two types of
the postpositive adjective phrases. The first type is a single adjective that comes after an
indefinite pronoun ending -thing like something unorthodox in (23). The second type is
verb phrase as complement like close to him in (24). Those postpositive adjectives are
always regarded the reduced relative clauses. Therefore, they can be changed into the
(23) But to prepare for the session, Prof. Linda Wetzel did something unorthodox.
(24) ...sources close to him have told the BBC (App 1, bbc A.II, 11)
The postpositive adjective phrase can be premodified by the intensifier phrase like
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less in (25) or the adverb phrase like best in (26), and it can be postmodified by to-
infinitive verb phrase like to be healthy and educated in (25) and to lead in (26) or by the
prepositional phrase like with the production of certain blood cells (27).
(25) and her other children less likely to be healthy and educated. (App 1, bbc
B.IV, 26)
(26) the person "best qualified to lead" (App 1, bbc A.II, 10)
(27). ...there is something wrong with the production of certain blood cells,...
Many adjective phrases identified in those news articles occur in a bare form with
only the head without any modifiers, e.g. national archivists, a secure sanctuary, their
financial support, and a regular basis. Beside, the adjective phrases also appear in a
minimal form with the determiners only, e.g. that young. For forming a complex
adjective phrases, the adjectives will take various phrases in their occurrence like an
phrase: clear to everybody, a verb phrase: unable to pay for themselves, a noun phrase:
antibiotic-resistant, and a clause: surprised that he has not appeared before me.
www.bbc.co.uk news articles issued on October 2007 are in a bare form. The number of
its occurrence is 511 or about 74,70%. The second frequent one is the occurrence of the
adjective phrase with an intensifier phrase. The number is 78 or about 11,55%. The third
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
40
frequent one is the occurrence with a prepositional phrase. The number as presented in
table is 29 or 4,29%.
Table 2
From the table 2, the most frequent occurrence is a bare adjective phrase. They
In the adjective phrases (28), (29) and (30), the heads are the adjectives pink,
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41
significant, and neurological without any modifiers. The structure of the bare
AP
A'
pink
The second frequent type of the adjective phrase from table 2 is the occurrence of
an intensifier phrase as its element. Its occurrence is 78 in those news articles. It occurs
In (32). the head of the adjective phrase takes the intensifier phrase very as the pre-
modifier. In (33) the intensifier phrase extremely which comes before the head of the
more, less, and as are called degrees of words (1981: 157-165). Therefore, most in (34) is
considered as the pre-modifier of the head adjective notorious and more in (35) is also
regarded as the pre-modifier of the head adjective behavioral. Most of the intensifier
phrases occur in the adjective phrases are most and more. The structure of the adjective
phrase with the intensifier phrase as its pre-modifier is represented in the diagram (36).
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
42
AP
A'
IntP A'
very strenuous
The intensifier phrases can be combined with different phrases or clause to form the
complex adjective phrases. Its occurrence with the verb phrase, the prepositional phrase,
(37) too early to give an overall verdict on the success of the academies programme
(38) really important for what happens decades later. (App 2, was B.I, 18)
(39) so extensive it could even seize assets from people who had not been convicted
In the first example (37), the verb phrase to give an overall verdict on the success of the
academies programme occurs as the post modifier of the head early with too as the pre-
modifier. The next example (38) has the adjective important as the head, the intensifier
phrase really and the prepositional phrase for what happens decades later as its
modifiers. The last adjective phrase in (39) has the intensifier phrase so as its pre-
modifier and clause it could even seize assets from people who had not been convicted of
any crime as its post modifier. The diagram (40) below explains the structure of the
adjective phrase which selects the intensifier phrase in combination with clause as its
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
43
elements.
AP
A'
A' Cl
IntP A'
The third frequent type of the adjective phrase from table 2 is the occurrence of a
functions as a post modifier. As the element of the adjective phrase, it may occur with or
without other phrases. The next part will present more detailed discussion.
its object. Its characteristic, that makes it different from other phrases, is that it cannot
stand by itself. The prepositions that occur with the noun phrase to form the
prepositional phrases are for, at, of, to, with, as, in, inside, outside, on, and without as
(41) eager for what could amount to a third Clinton presidential term (App 2, was
A.IV, 25)
(42) "irritated and frustrated" at having to step down (App 2, bbc A.II, 4)
(44) impervious to every approved antibiotic for youngsters (App 2, was B.II, 41)
(45) comfortable with him as first spouse (App 2, was A.III, 23)
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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(46) rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as eggs fortified with DHA and flaxseed (App
(47) fearful inside and outside the school (App 2, was D.I, 17)
In (41) the adjective, eager, takes the prepositional phrase for what could amount to a
third Clinton presidential term as its element. In (42) two adjectives, irritated and
frustrated, select the prepositional phrase at having to step down to structure the adjective
phrase. The adjective clear in (43) picks out of the disease in its occurrence. In (44), the
adjective impervious has the prepositional phrase to every approved antibiotic for
youngsters to form a complex adjective phrase. In the next adjective phrase, the head
comfortable occurs with two prepositional phrases with him and as first spouse. The
adjective phrase in (46) is built by the head adjective rich and the prepositional phrase in
omega-3 fatty acids, such as eggs fortified with DHA and flaxseed. The adjective phrase
(47) is constructed by the head fearful, and the prepositional phrases inside and outside
the school. The adjective silent (48) is the head of the adjective phrase which takes the
prepositional phrase on picking up bar tabs as a post modifier. The last adjective phrase
consists of the adjective long, the prepositional phrase without drugs and the
demonstrative pronoun that. The structure of the adjective phrase that takes the
45
AP
A'
A PP
occur by itself. It can be combined with different phrases as the elements of the adjective
phrase; an adverb phrase, and an intensifier phrase. The occurrence of the prepositional
phrase and the intensifier phrase as the modifiers of the adjective phrase has been
discussed above. Now, the discussion will continue with the occurrence of the adjective
phrase with the prepositional phrase and the adverb phrase. Here are the examples:
(51) best known for his comic roles (App 2, was C.II, 6)
(52) strikingly different between the two groups (App 2, bbc B.II, 20)
In (51) the adjective phrase consists of the head known and the adverb phrase best and the
prepositional phrase for his comic roles. In (52) the adjective phrase appears with the
adjective as the head different, the adverb phrase strikingly as the pre-modifier, and the
prepositional phrase between the two groups as post modifier. The structure of the
adjective phrase which takes more than one phrase with the prepositional phrase can be
46
AP
A'
A' PP
AdvP A'
From the above discussion, it is clear that the adjective phrase can occur with the
prepositional phrase and the occurrence of the prepositional phrase can be combined with
other phrases like the adverb phrase and the intensifier phrase.
The fourth frequent type of the adjective phrase from table 2 is the occurrence of
an adverb phrase as its element. Its occurrence is 15 in those news articles. It occurs as
In (54) the head of the adjective phrase responsible selects the adverb phrase biblically as
the pre-modifier. In (55) the adjective phrase has the adverb phrase particularly coming
before the head small. The structure of the adjective phrase with the adverb phrase as its
47
A'
AdvP A'
A
biblically responsible
The adverb phrase can occur with the prepositional phrase, the verb phrase or
clause to construct the complex adjective phrases. The occurrence of the adverb phrase
with the prepositional phrase has been explained above. Therefore, this part discusses the
occurrence with the verb phrase and the clause. Here is the example:
(57) painfully obvious that if the ticket is not transferable then the method of
In (57) the adverb phrase painfully occurs as the pre-modifier of the head adjective
obvious with the clause that if the ticket is not transferable then the method of obtaining
the ticket is not transferable either as the post modifier. In (58) the head adjective
qualified is premodified by the adjective phrase best and postmodified by the verb phrase
to lead. The diagram below (59) explains the structure of the adjective phrase which
A'
A' Cl
AdvP A'
48
The fifth frequent type of the adjective phrase from table 2 is the occurrence of a
verb phrase as its element. Its occurrence is 12 in those news articles. A verb phrase that
functions as a post modifier in the adjective phrase is to-infinitive. Here are the examples:
(61) able to benefit from GDST's experts (App 2, bbc D.I, 17)
In (60), the head of the adjective phrase is likely and it occurs with to-infinitive to
develop the condition. In (61), the adjective phrase consists of the head able and post
modifier to-infinitive to benefit from GDST's experts. The last example has delighted as
the head and to be vindicated as its post modifier. The structure of the adjective phrase
with verb phrase as its post modifier is represented in the diagram (63).
A'
A VP
by itself. It might be combined with different phrases as the elements of the adjective
Although the occurrence of the verb phrase with the adverb phrase and the
intensifier phrase has been explained above, this part will give one more example:
In (64) the adjective phrase headed by proud takes the intensifier phrase quite as the pre-
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modifier and the verb phrase to be able to admit it as the post-modifier. The diagram
below (65) explains the structure of the adjective phrase which selects the verb phrase in
A'
Int P A'
A VP
The sixth frequent type of the adjective phrase from table 2 is the occurrence of a
clause as its element. Its occurrence is 7 in those news articles. The clauses that occur in
the post-modifier position are that and whether or if clause. Below 66-67 are the
examples:
(66) surprised that he has not appeared before me (App 2, was C.I, 4)
(67) essential if we are ever to develop treatments that can change the course or halt
the progression of dementia rather than just treat the symptoms (App 2, bbc B.II,
22)
In (66), the head of the adjective phrase is surprised which selects that clause that
he has not appeared before me as the post modifier. The clause in this phrase is used to
give an explanation the reason of the surprise feeling. The next example has essential as
the head which occurs with if clause if we are ever to develop treatments that can change
the course or halt the progression of dementia rather than just treat the symptoms. This
clause gives the explanation how something will become essential. The following
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50
different phrases like the adverb phrase and the intensifier phrase. Since the discussion
about its occurrence with those two phrases has been stated above, this part does not talk
about it again.
The seventh frequent type of the adjective phrase from table 2 is the occurrence of
a noun phrase as its element. Its occurrence is 4 in those news articles. The noun phrase
occurs as the pre-modifier in the adjective phrases like the following examples:
The first one, which is headed by long, occurs with the noun phrase year as its pre-
modifier. Then, the adjective phrase (70) takes the adjective resistant as the head and the
noun phrase antibiotic in its occurrence. The structure of the adjective phrase which takes
the noun phrase as its element can be seen in the diagram (71)
A'
NP A
antibiotic resistant
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Based on the findings in the news articles, the occurrence of the noun phrase in
the adjective phrases can not be combined with different phrases and clause.
The minimal form that occurs as the element of the adjective phrase is the
smallest number. The minimal adjective phrase occurs with a demonstrative pronoun that
In (72), the head adjective is young, and it takes the demonstrative pronoun that as its
determiner. The structure of the minimal noun phrase can be represented in the diagram
(73).
AP
DP A'
that young
Based on the above discussion, the adjective phrases may occur in a bare form, a
minimal form or a complex form. The different types of phrases; a intensifier phrase,
adverb phrase, adjective phrase, noun phrase, prepositional phrase and verb phrase, and a
or post modifier in the adjective phrase. A prepositional phrase, verb phrase and clause
52
The phrases or clause as the elements of the adjective phrase have certain
functions in the structure of the adjective phrase. There are four functions that they may
1. Complement
When a complement is not present, it may be understood from the context or is not
phrase. It functions as a complement because the occurrence of the verb phrase completes
(74) I will be able to produce this credit card... (App 3, bbc C.IV, 7)
(76) The findings are likely to stoke debate... (App 3, was D.II, 43)
In (74) to produce this credit card completes the meaning of the adjective able as the
head. In (75) to rely on studies completes the meaning of the adjective inappropriate as
the head. In (76) to stoke debate completes the meaning of the adjective likely as the
head. As the adjective complements, the to-infinitive verb phrases can be identified using
three tests. Firstly, the verb phrase complements can be identified using a what question.
53
The to-infinitive adjective complements are the answers to a what question. To produce
this credit card in (74) is the answer to question (74a), to rely on studies in (75) is the
answer to question (75a), and to stoke debate in (76) is the answer to question (76a).
Secondly, the to-infinitive adjective complements can become the focus in a cleft
Finally, the to-infinitive adjective complements can also become the focus in a pseudo-
cleft sentence.
produce this credit card, to rely on studies and to stoke debate become the focus of the
pseudo-cleft sentences.
A'
A VP
The AP does not branch but goes directly to an A' because the adjective phrase
does not have specifier. Next, the A' branches to A and a VP. The head able directly
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
54
becomes the sister of the VP to produce this credit card because the VP is the
A prepositional phrase occurs as the post modifier in the adjective phrase. The
prepositional phrase functions as the complement because it has a close relationship with
its head. It can not be separated from the head like the following examples:
(78) The microbe is responsible for more than 94,000 serious infections and
(78)a*For more than 94,000 serious infections and nearly 19,000 deaths each
(79) The Conservatives were ready for a snap poll. (App 3, bbc A.III, 22)
There are three ways to prove whether the prepositional phrases are the
complements or not. Firstly, the prepositional phrases which become the complements of
more than 94,000 serious infections and nearly 19,000 deaths each year in (78) is the
answer for the (78b) question and a snap poll in (79) is the answer of the question (79b).
Secondly, the noun phrase which becomes the complement of the preposition can occur
as the focus in a cleft sentence. Sentence (78) and (79) can be paraphrased into (78c) and
(79c) respectively.
(78)c It is more than 94,000 serious infections and nearly 19,000 deaths each year
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(79)c It was a snap poll that that the Conservatives were ready for.
More than 94,000 serious infections and nearly 19,000 deaths each year and a snap poll
are the focuses of (78c) and (79c) respectively. Finally, the noun phrase that becomes the
complement of the preposition can occur in a pseudo-cleft sentence. Sentence (78) and
(78)d What the microbe is responsible for is more than 94,000 serious infections
(79)d What the Conservatives were ready for was a snap poll.
More than 94,000 serious infections and nearly 19,000 deaths each year and a snap poll
specifier. The PP for a snap poll as a complement is the closest element to the head
ready so the PP becomes the sister of the head adjective. The other elements like an
A clause occurs at the post-modifier position. Like the verb phrase and
prepositional phrase that complete the meaning of the head when they play the role of
complement, the clause also completes the meaning of the adjective's head. That clauses
are found to play the role of the complements in the adjective phrases identified in the
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56
news articles:
(81) I am surprised that he has not appeared before me,...(App 3, was C.I, 4)
(82) I'm afraid (that) it's going to be a bit longer. (App 3, bbc A.III, 23)
The clause adjective complements can be identified using several tests. Firstly, the
clauses are the answers to the what questions. The clauses that he has not appeared
before me in (81) and it's going to be a bit longer in (82) are the answers to questions
Secondly, the clause adjective complements can become the focus in the cleft
sentences. Sentences (81) and (82) can be changed into cleft sentences (81b) and (82b)
respectively.
That he has not appeared before me becomes the focus in (81b) and it's going to be a bit
Finally, the clause adjective complements can also become the focus in the
pseudo-cleft sentences. Sentences (81) and (82) can be changed into pseudo-cleft
That he has not appeared before me becomes the focus in (81c) and it's going to be a bit
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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A'
A Cl
sister of an A'. The clause (that) it's going to be a bit longer as a complement is a
A noun phrase that occurs at pre-modifier position in the adjective phrase can
function as the complement since it completes the meaning of the head. The noun phrase
The noun phrase that functions as the complement of the adjective phrase can be
identified using a paraphrase. As seen in (84a) the noun phrase can be changed into the
prepositional phrase. By using the tests for the prepositional phrase, the function of the
With the use of the question in (84b), cleft sentence in (84c), and pseudo-cleft sentence in
(84d), it can be concluded that the prepositional phrase to the antibiotic in (84a) is the
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
58
complement of the adjective resistant in (84a) is therefore, also the complement of the
adjective.
A'
NP A
antibiotic resistant
In the diagram (85), the AP does not branch because it does not have a specifier.
The A' branches into a NP and the head A. The NP antibiotic is the sister of the head
2. An Attribute
An attribute is an element that shows the characteristic of the head adjective in the
adjective phrase. The attribute never occurs at the post-modifier position (Radford,
1988:197).
In the news articles, there are three types of phrases that fill this function; an
adverb phrase, intensifier phrase, and noun phrase. They occur by themselves or with
(87)...and the results and accuracy levels are very promising (App 3, bbc B.II, 21)
In (86) very emphasizes the head of the adjective phrase worried and In (87) very
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
59
emphasizes the adjective common. In (88) more emphasizes the head political. The other
form of comparison in data is the -er form. The writer considers the -er form as
projection of more form. The -er form is the comparative form for one syllable or two
syllable adjectives. The same is the superlative comparison. It represents the degree form
most. The -est form is a result of the most form projection. The -est form comes for one
An adverb phrase specifies certain aspect of the adjective like the following
examples:
In (89) nearly shows in what aspect the percentages are identical, in (90) unusually
shows in what aspect the pneumonia is serious, and in (91) quietly shows in what aspect I
am confident.
A noun phrase functions to show the measurement like the only example:
The adjective attributives can be identified using how questions. The adjective
60
The adjective attributes can also be identified using in what aspect questions. The
Basically, the answer of the how and in what aspect questions in (86a) and (86b) is the
intensifier phrase very, the answer to the how and in what aspect questions in (87a) and
(87b) is the intensifier phrase very, the answer to the how and in what aspect questions in
(88a) and (88b) is the intensifier phrase more, the answer to the how and in what aspect
questions in (89a) and (89b) is the adverb phrase nearly, the answer to the how and in
what aspect questions in (90a) and (90b) is the adverb phrase unusually, the answer to the
how and in what aspect questions in (91a) and (91b) is the adverb phrase quietly and the
answer to the how and in what aspect questions in (92a) and (92b) is the noun phrase
year.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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The structure of the adjective phrase that occurs with an attribute is represented in
A'
IntP A'
more political
Then, the A' branches to another A' and an IntP. The IntP is the daughter and sister of the
A'. The head political does not directly become the sister of an Int P because that position
The structure of the adjective phrase that occurs with an attribute and a
A'
AdvP A'
A PP
In the diagram (94), the adjective phrase does not have a specifier so an AP goes directly
to an A'. The A' branches to another an AdvP and A'. The AdvP best as an attribute is both
a daughter and sister of the A-bar. Next, the A' branches to the head known and an PP.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
62
The PP for his comic roles becomes the sister of the adjective known because it functions
as a complement.
3. An Adjunct
condition which the adjective expresses. In the news articles, there are three phrases that
might fill the function of the adjunct: the prepositional phrase, the to-infinitive verb
phrase and the clause. They occur by themselves or with different phrases to construct
event that phrase refers to, about time (when or how long), about place (position) or
direction), about manner,cause, etc. The prepositional phrase as the adjective adjunct can
be identified using the question that asks circumstantial information like when, where,
etc. Sentences (95a) and (96a) ask the adjective adjuncts in (95) and (96) respectively.
(95) and I think our policies and our principles and our values would have been
right at the very centre of the political agenda." (App 3, bbc A.II, 7)
(95)a When would our policies and our principles and our values have been
right?
(96) The proportion was highest in poorer areas.... (App 3, bbc B.I, 25)
The answer of (95a) is at the very centre of the political agenda, and the answer of (96a)
is in poorer areas. The prepositional phrase adjective adjuncts are different from the
prepositional phrase which functions as the adjective complements because the noun
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
63
phrase in the prepositional phrase cannot be separated from the preposition. The
separation of the noun phrase and the preposition will create ungrammatical sentence.
(95)b *When would our policies and our principles and our values have been
right at?
(95)c *It is the very centre of the political agenda that our policies and our
(95)d *What our policies and our principles and our values have been right at is
(96)c *They are poorer areas that the proportion was highest in.
The very centre of the political agenda in (95b-d) and in poorer areas in (96b-d) or their
substitute what can not be separated from at and in to form the questions, the cleft
several tests. First, the to-infinitive adjective adjunct is paraphrased to be the subject of
(97) The improvements had been the hardest to reach. (App 3, bbc D.IV, 23)
To reach in (97) is the adjunct of the hardest. To reach shows in what aspect the
improvements had been the hardest. To reach the improvements is the subject of (97a).
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
64
Second, the to-infinitive adjunct becomes the focus of the cleft sentence and the NP
which becomes the subject of the sentence becomes the complement of the VP like the
following:
To reach the improvements becomes the focus of (97b). Finally, the to-infinitive adjunct
The last category of the adjective adjunct is a clause. The that clause adjunct
(98) It was pleased (that) Ofsted had confirmed the social partnership was
improving the working lives of school staff and the performance of pupils. (App 3,
The if clause can be also an adjunct of an adjective phrase like the following example:
(99) She said: "Early diagnosis is essential if we are ever to develop treatments
that can change the course or halt the progression of dementia rather than just
Because the that clause in (98) and the if clause (99) only provide the additional
information to the heads, the clause can be omitted. The result will be like:
The structure of the adjective phrase that occurs with an adjunct is represented in
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
65
A'
A' PP
In the diagram (100), an AP goes directly to an A'. The A' branches into another A' and a
PP. The PP at the very centre of the political agenda becomes both the sister and daughter
There is no specifier in the diagram (101). an AP goes directly to an A' and then the A-bar
branches into A' and a Cl. The clause as an adjunct is both a daughter and the sister of the
A-bar. The head essential does not become a sister of the clause if we are ever to develop
treatments because it is against the rule that the head is the sister of a complement.
The structure of the adjective phrase that occurs with a specifier, an attribute and
66
AP
DP A'
A' VP
IntP A'
A'. Then the A' branches into another A-bar and a VP . The verb phrase to reach as the
adjunct is both the daughter and sister of the A-bar. Next, A' branches into an IntP and A'.
The IntP most is not the sister of the head hard because it functions as an attribute in the
adjective phrase.
4. Specifier
specifier and the consequence is that the specifier position is rarely filled (2002:32). In
the news articles, there are only three adjective phrases that have the specifier. This is the
example:
that (103) is the specifier of young. The structure of the adjective phrase that occurs with
67
DP A'
that young
A'. The DP that is not the sister of the head young because it does not function as a
complement.
(105) In the last eight years, I've never been that long without drugs. (App 3, bbc
C.III, 4)
That in (105) is the specifier of long. That long means 'as long as the past eight years'.
The structure of the adjective phrase that occurs with a specifier and an adjunct is
represented in (106).
A' branches into another A-bar and a PP. The PP without drugs is not the sister of the
68
The adjective phrases occurs in bare form with only the head, or in complex form
with its premodifiers like an adverb phrase, intensifier phrase or noun phrase, and also
with its postmodifiers like a prepositional phrase, verb phrase or clause. In all the X-bar
diagrams, the relation of the modifiers with the head of the adjective phrase reveals the
functions of the modifiers in the adjective phrases: a complement, attribute, adjunct, and
common that a specifier does not occur. Therefore, an AP goes to an A' directly. An
adjunct is both a daughter and sister of the A-bar. An attribute is also both a daughter and
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION
In this chapter the writer would like to sum up several things since the analysis of
in October 2007 had been finished. This study has three problems. First is about the
position of the adjective phrase in the sentence in the news articles of those websites.
Second is the elements of the adjective phrase and third is the functions of its elements in
In the news articles, the positions of the adjective phrase are attributive,
attributive position is 533 adjective phrases or about 78,96%, the predicative position is
127 adjective phrases or about 18,81% and the postpositive position is only 15 adjective
phrases or 2,22%.
The adjective phrases that mostly occur in the news articles are in a bare form,
508 adjective phrases or about 75,25%. The rests are in a complex form, 167 adjective
phrases or about 24,74%. In the complex form, the adjective phrases occur with phrases
and a clause. The percentage of each occurrence is as follows: the intensifier phrase is 78
2,22%, the verb phrase is 12 or 1,77%, the noun phrase is 4 or 0,59% and the clause is 7
The phrases or clauses have certain functions in the structure of the adjective
69
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
70
phrase. They may fill namely: complement, attribute, adjunct and specifier. A
prepositional phrase, verb phrase, noun phrase and clause can function as a complement
of an adjective phrase when they are selected by the head to complete the head's meaning.
The next element of the head is an attribute. The elements of the adjective phrase that can
occur as the attributes are intensifier phrase, adverb phrase and noun phrase. The other
element is adjunct. A verb phrase, prepositional phrase and clause can function as the
adjunct if they only give additional information to the head of the adjective phrases. The
last function of the elements is a specifier; articles the and demonstrative pronoun that.
The adjective phrases in most cases do not have a specifier and the consequence is that
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Asher, E, R. ed. The Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics. Vol. 1 & 10. Great
Britain: Pergamon Press, 1994.
Bhat, D.N.S. The Adjectival Category: Criteria for Differentiation and Identification.
Philadelphia: Benjamin Publishing Company, 1994.
Emolyn, Susan Harman. Descriptive English Grammar. 2nd ed. Englewood Cliffs, N.J:
Prentice-Hall,1950.
71
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
72
Siahaan, Holan Nauli Christine. “A Study on English Adjective Phrases in the Fashion
and Style Articles on New York Times Published in December 2002
and January 2003.” Undergraduate Thesis. Yogyakarta: Sanata Dharma
University, 1999
Data Reference
Action needed on maternal deaths . London: BBC Corporation,2007.
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/7039647.stm.htm>(12 October 2007)
Balz, Dan and Jon Cohen. Bill Clinton Considered an Asset to Hillary Clinton's
Campaign. Washington DC: The Washington Post Company,2007.
<http://www.washingtonpost.com/Politics/AR2007100302036.html>
( 3 October 2007 )
'Cash crisis' for science centres London: BBC Corporation,2007.
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/7053098.stm.htm>(21 October 2007)
FBI raids magician David Copperfield in Vegas .Washington DC: The Washington Post
Company,2007.<http://www.washingtonpost.com/Entertainment/
AR2007101900325.html>(19 October 2007)
Jim Carrey calls for U.N. sanctions on Myanmar. Washington DC: The Washington Post
Company,2007.<http://www.washingtonpost.com/Entertainment/
AR2007100501931.html>(5 October 2007)
Jude Law Cleared of Assault Charge: Spokeswoman. Washington DC: The Washington
Post Company,2007.<http://www.washingtonpost.com/Entertainment/
AR2007101101138.html>(11 October 2007)
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
73
Klein, Allison. 9 Schools To Get Security Doors. Washington DC: The Washington Post
Company,2007.<http://www.washingtonpost.com/Education/
AR2007102200864.html>(23 October 2007)
Kornblut, Anne E. and Dan Balz. Clinton's Foes Go on the Attack .Washington DC: The
Washington Post Company,2007.<http://www.washingtonpost.com/Politics/
AR2007103001940.html>( 31 October 2007 )
Labbé, Theola. Voucher Program Puts D.C. Kids at Risk, Study Says. Washington DC:
The Washington Post Company,2007.<http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Education/AR2007101002529.html>(11 October 2007)
Pappu, Sridhar. Looking for a Candidate to Call Their Own .Washington DC: The
Washington Post Company,2007.<http://www.washingtonpost.com/Politics/
AR2007102101402.html>( 22 October 2007 )
Reggae artist Beenie Man faces arrest in tax case. Washington DC: The Washington Post
Company,2007.<http://www.washingtonpost.com/Entertainment/
AR2007102301298.html>(23 October 2007)
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
74
Spivack, Miranda S. and Ann E. Marimow. Council Backs Higher Growth Fees.
Washington DC: The Washington Post Company,2007.
<http://www.washingtonpost.com/Education/AR2007103002053.html>
(31 October 2007)
Squires, Sally. Scientists to Advise Pregnant Women to Eat Fish. Washington DC: The
Washington Post Company,2007.<http://www.washingtonpost.com /health/
AR2007100301278.html>( 3 October 2007 )
Stein, Rob. Drug-Resistant Staph Germ's Toll Is Higher Than Thought. Washington DC:
The Washington Post Company,2007.<http://www.washingtonpost.com /health/
AR2007101601392.html>( 17 October 2007 )
________. Panel: Children Under 6 Should Not Get Cold Medicines. Washington DC:
The Washington Post Company,2007.<http://www.washingtonpost.com /health/
AR2007101900246.html>( 19 October 2007 )
APPENDIXES
75
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
III. FBI raids magician David Copperfield in Vegas Att Pred Post
( 19 October 2007 )
1. sexual misconduct 9
2. an unidentified woman 9
3. federal agents 9
4. the popular illusionist 9
5. serious allegations 9
6. a computer hard drive 9
7. a digital camera 9
8. The local CBS affiliate 9
9. late-night operation 9
10. It is important these allegations be put into perspective. 9
11. Copperfield, whose real name is David Kotkin, is famed for 9
such illusions as making the Statue of Liberty disappear and
walking through the Great Wall of China.
12. Although authorities have not revealed her identity to us, we 9
know these allegations are false because David Copperfield
has never forced himself on anyone.
IV. Jude Law Cleared of Assault Charge: Spokeswoman
( 11 October 2007 )
1. British actor 9
2. further action 9
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
85
86
87
88
89
90
II. Lib Dem leadership bids expected ( 17 October 2007 ) Att Pred Post
1. sufficient backing
2. the quite extraordinary concentration 9
3. a "very strenuous and robust leadership contest" **
91
92
5. harmful drinking
6. more affluent areas
7. the wealthy town
8. the lowest rate
9. hazardous levels
10. one large glass
11. every local authority
12. the highest rate
13. further increases
14. the long-term 9
15. medical director
16. the highest levels
17. hazardous drinking
18. this hazardous category
19. chronic liver disease
20. The biggest risk
21. a new cross-government alcohol strategy
22. a new national priority **
23. standard strength
24. Drinking at levels which are hazardous to health is rife in ...
25. However, Liverpool John Moores University found the
proportion of those who drank to real excess was highest in 9
poorer areas.
26. it does not seem particularly dangerous, but it does add up."
II. Test 'can spot Alzheimer's risk' ( 15 October 2007 ) Att Pred Post
1. mild mental impairment **
2. specific levels of 18 key proteins
3. a similar level of success
4. their mild mental decline **
5. new blood cells
6. their natural life cycle
7. exciting research
8. further research
9. a larger sample group 9
10. a huge breakthrough
11. a simple, accurate blood test **
12. the most distressing aspects
13. mild memory problems
14. an inevitable mental decline
15. other causes of mental decline
16. The latest study
17. different proteins
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
93
94
4. urgent action
5. better results.
6. a particularly small drop
7. a "huge and urgent" emphasis**
8. a separate study
9. "unsafe" conditions
10. The vast majority
11. contraception and emergency obstetric care
12. a massive decrease 9
13. maternal health
14. a massive impact
15. safe abortion
16. modern family planning
17. unintended pregnancies
18. the most neglected public health issues **
19. particularly detrimental effects
20. The poor health of a mother
21. Abortion rates were lowest in Western Europe at 12
pregnancy terminations per 1,000 women but highest in
Eastern Europe at 44 abortions per 1,000 women.
22. ...and reducing the number of unsafe abortions was
"imperative".
9
23. If a mother is ill or dies, the baby is less likely to survive
...**
24. Experts said the experience of Bangladesh - where abortion
mortality fell by 74% over the past 30 years - shows the
Millennium Development Goal are achievable.
25. ..and family planning services and midwives who can help
women access emergency care where necessary. 9
26. and her other children less likely to be healthy and educated.
C. Entertainment
I. Singer to go home after surgery ( 30 October 2007 ) Att Pred Post
1. Classical singer
2. intensive care
3. good progress
4. the foreseeable future
9
5. a full recovery
6. Russell's heartfelt thanks
7. The tremendous support
8. a personal message
9. The tremendous support he is receiving really makes a 9
difference and as soon as he is able he will send a personal
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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96
97
98
99
Appendix 2: The list of Adjective Phrases in the Occurrence with Phrases and
Clauses ( Note: Int P = intensifier phrase, Adv P = Adverb Phrase, NP = noun
phrase, VP = verb phrase, PP = prepositional phrase, Cl = clause)
100
101
102
into perspective
IV. Jude Law Cleared of Assault Charge: Int P Adv P NP VP PP Cl
Spokeswoman ( 11 October 2007 )
4. delighted to be vindicated 9
D. Education
I. 9 Schools To Get Security Doors ( 23
October 2007 )
3. better
8. tighter
9
19. safer
10. most notorious
17. fearful inside and outside the school 9
19. most crime-prone 9 9
II. Voucher Program Puts D.C. Kids at
Risk, Study Says ( 10 October 2007 )
15. better
18. better 9
45. better
39. detailed in a draft 9
42. being ill-served without proper oversight
43. likely to stoke debate 9
40. more skilled at it 9 9
III. Start-Up Facility Approved 2 Months
Ago Now Faces Closure ( 9 October 2007 )
18. lower
9
15. biggest
23. financially viable 9
10. year-long 9
22. ready to open 9
IV. Council Backs Higher Growth Fees ( 31
October 2007 )
3. too congested
5. too-crowded 9
5. harder
12. more expensive
12. more exclusive
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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104
105
106
social partnership
III. 'Cash crisis' for science centres ( 21
October 2007 )
12. broader
9
10. biggest
13. unable to pay for themselves 9
IV. Watchdog's academy cost warning ( 17 Int P Adv P NP VP PP Cl
October 2007 )
10. most disadvantaged
15. most vulnerable
9
9. longer
14. much faster
2. relatively costly 9
23. the hardest to reach (the : DP)
9 9
19. too early to give an overall verdict
18. essential if funding and budgets are to be set 9
at a realistic level
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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Appendix 3: The function of the elements in the Adjective Phrases (Spe = specifier,
compl = complement)
108
109
110
111
112
113
treatments ...
23. clear of the disease clear of...
25. wrong with the production of certain blood with
cells the...
20. strikingly different between the two groups strikingly between
...
III. Eczema baths 'a waste of money' ( 3 Spe Attribute Compl Adjunct
October 2007 )
11. extremely beneficial extremely
6. easier more
IV. Action needed on maternal deaths ( 12
October 2007 )
18. most neglected most
5. better more
6. particularly small particularly
19. particularly detrimental particularly
26. less likely to be healthy and educated less to be...
23. less likely to survive less to ...
21. lowest in Western Europe at 12 pregnancy most in
terminations per 1,000 women but highest in Western
Eastern Europe at 44 abortions per 1,000 ...
women.
C. Entertainment
I. Singer to go home after surgery ( 30
October 2007 )
II. News at Ten 'will return to ITV1' ( 23
October 2007 )
III. Doherty 'at drugs turning point' ( 12
October 2007 )
6. quietly confident quietly
4. that long without drugs that without...
5. quite proud to be able to admit it quite to be ...
3. off drugs for seven weeks for
seven...
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