Page 340 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

329 1
2
For the differences between these verbs, see 128.
other verbs followed by adjectives
Sometimes other verbs, too, can be followed by adjectives. This happens when we are really describing the subject of the sentence, and not the action of the verb. It is common in descriptions with sit, stand, lie, fall.
The valley lay quiet and peaceful in the sun.
She sat motionless, waiting for their decision.
He feU unconscious on the floor. (NOT ••• ftne€mseitJusly ...)
Adjectives can also be used in the structure verb + object + adjective, to describe the object of the verb.
New SUPER CUB washes clothes SUPER WHITE. (NOT ••• WHITEL1' •••) He pulled his belt tight and started off. (NOT••• tightly ...)
For the difference between adjectives and adverbs. see 26. For cases like drive slow. chink positive. see 27.2.4.
For more about SlrUcrures after verbs. see 606.
See also the entries for panicular link verbs.
(a) little and (a) few uncountable and plural
We use the determiner (aJ little with singular (usually uncountable) words, and we use (aJ few with plurals. Compare:
I have little interest in politics. Few politicians are really honest. We've got a little bacon and a few eggs.
of after (a) little and (a) few
We use (aJ little ofand (a) few of before a pronoun or determiner (for example the, my, these - see 154).
3
4
5
He spoke intelligently. (Intelligently is an adverb. It tells you about how the person spoke.)
He seems intelligent. (Intelligent is an adjective. It tells you about the person himself - rather like saying He is intelligent. Seem is a link verb.)
other uses
Some of these verbs are also used with other meanings as ordinary non-link verbs. They are then used with adverbs, not adjectives. Compare:
The problem appeared impossible. (NOT ••• imptJssibly.)
Isabel suddenly appeared in the doorway. (NOT ••• sttdtlert ...)
Other verbs used in two ways like this are look (see 331), taste (see 577) andfeel (see 202).
change
Some link verbs are used to talk about change. or the absence of change. The most common are: become, get, grow, go, turn, stay, remain, keep.
It's becoming colder.
How does she stay so young?
It's getting colder.
I hope you will always remain so happy.
It's growing colder.
Keep calm.
The leaves are going brown. The leaves are turning brown.
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