Question

Dictionary work

• The sound of the shehnai is auspicious.

• The auspicious sound of the shehnai is usually heard at marriages.

The adjective auspicious can occur after the verb be as in the first sentence, or before a noun as in the second. But there are some adjectives which can be used after the verb be and not before a noun. For example:

• Ustad Faiyaz Khan was overjoyed.

We cannot say: *the overjoyed man.

Look at these entries from the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2005).

Consult your dictionary and complete the following table. The first one has been done for you.

adjective	only before noun	Not before noun	Both before and after the verb be
indispensable			✔
impressed
afraid
outdoor
paternal
countless
priceless

Use these words in phrases or sentences of your own.

Answer 1

adjective	only before noun	not before noun	both before and after the verb be
indispensable			✔
impressed		✔	✔
afraid		✔	✔
outdoor	✔
paternal	✔
countless	✔
priceless	✔		✔

Some sentences using these adjectives are:

1. She is indispensable for the successful completion of the project.

2. Sunita was impressed by my singing.

3. He is afraid of the dark.

4. I enjoy the company of my paternal uncle.

5. Gennie was showered with countless gifts.

6. My grandmother gave me a priceless piece of advice.