An adjective in the appositive position is often called an appositive adjective ([§ 172]). “A sword, keen and bright, flashed from the soldier’s scabbard.”
MODIFIERS OF THE PREDICATE
474. The simple predicate, being a verb or verb-phrase, can have only adverbial modifiers.
The simple predicate may be modified by (1) an adverb, an adverbial phrase, or an adverbial clause, (2) an infinitive, (3) an adverbial objective, (4) a nominative absolute, (5) an indirect object, (6) a cognate object.
I. ADVERB, ADVERBIAL PHRASE, ADVERBIAL CLAUSE
475. The simple predicate may be modified by an adverb, an adverbial phrase, or an adverbial clause.
- The landlord collects his rents {monthly. | on the first of every month. | when the first of the month comes.}
- The old schoolhouse stands {there. | at the cross-roads. | where the roads meet.}
- We left the hall {early. | before the last speech. | while the last speech was being delivered.}
In each of these groups, the simple predicate of the first sentence is modified by an adverb, that of the second by an adverbial phrase, and that of the third by an adverbial clause.
Most adverbial phrases are prepositional ([§ 42]).
| Adverb | Adverbial Phrase |
|---|---|
| speedily | with speed |
| furiously | with fury |
| lately | of late |
| instantly | in an instant |
| there | in that place |
| rapidly | at a rapid rate |
| skillfully | in a skillful manner |
| with skill | |
| promptly | on the instant |
| to-morrow | on the morrow |
| unwillingly | against my will |