Introduction

Relevance of the Topic

The ability to master the use of adjectives and adjective phrases is crucial for any Portuguese language student. Through these speech components, we are able to express nuances, descriptions, and specific attributes. They are the precise tool to enrich language, enhance communication, and intensify the power of expression. From the study of adjectives and adjective phrases, the universe of possibilities for written and verbal expression expands, increasing creativity and linguistic precision.

Contextualization

In the 7th grade Portuguese curriculum, the subject of Adjective and Adjective Phrase progresses from a basic understanding of grammar to a greater comprehension of forms and applications. This topic is a natural progression from the study of nouns, which are accompanied by adjectives in the formation of essential terms of the sentence. As accessory terms, understanding adjectives and adjective phrases strengthens the ability to express characteristics and qualities within a context. Thus, the study of these language components serves as a "bridge" to delve into more complex studies at higher education levels.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Adjective:

  • Definition: The adjective is a class of word that has the role of qualifying or characterizing a being, making the message more precise and detailed. In other words, it is a word that modifies, adding quality or state to the noun.
    • Example: The sky is blue. The adjective 'blue' qualifies the noun 'sky', characterizing it.
  • Classification:
    • Simple: Has only one radical, without the addition of suffix or prefix. Example: 'green', 'tall'.
    • Compound: Formed by more than one radical, usually joined by a hyphen. Example: 'navy-blue', 'dark-green'.
    • Primitive: Did not originate from any other word in the Portuguese language. Example: 'good', 'happy'.
    • Derived: Originated from another word. Example: 'loving' (from 'love'), 'musical' (from 'music').

• Adjective Phrase:

  • Definition: It is the union of two or more words with the value of an adjective. These words, together, perform the function that an adjective would have in the sentence.
    • Example: The man of courage faced the obstacles. The adjective phrase 'of courage' is acting as an adjective, characterizing the man.
  • Classification:
    • Common: The first component belongs to a class of words different from the adjective. Example: 'of milk' (milk is a noun), in "Milk cookie".
    • Proper or restrictive: The first component is also an adjective. Example: 'golden' (gold is an adjective), in "Gold ring".
    • Subjective: The entire phrase expresses the opinion, taste, preference of the speaker. Example: 'of those who like' in "Place of those who like".
    • Adjective: The entire phrase performs the function of qualifying the subject of the sentence. Example: 'that solved everything' in "The woman that solved everything".

Key Terms

• Qualify: Action of attributing a quality or a state to a being. It is the main role of the adjective and the adjective phrase.
• Being: Can be a noun, a pronoun, a numeral, or any word that can be characterized. It is the element that receives the quality or state from the adjective or the adjective phrase.

Examples and Cases

• Adjective:

  • Example of a simple adjective: The boy is polite.
  • Example of a compound adjective: The boy has dark-green eyes.
  • Example of a primitive adjective: The boy is happy.
  • Example of a derived adjective: The girl is loving.

• Adjective Phrase:

  • Example of a common adjective phrase: The boy has a luxury car. (The first component is a noun).
  • Example of a proper or restrictive adjective phrase: The boy has a navy-blue t-shirt. (The first component is an adjective).
  • Example of a subjective adjective phrase: The movie that moves arrived in Brazil. (The entire phrase expresses the speaker's opinion).
  • Example of an adjective adjective phrase: The city that never sleeps is New York. (The entire phrase is qualifying the subject of the sentence).

Detailed Summary

Relevant Points

1. Definition and Function: Adjective is a class of word that qualifies, characterizes, or gives state to a being. It adds details and precision to the message, making it richer and more expressive. The adjective phrase is the union of two or more words with the value of an adjective, performing the same function that the adjective would have in the sentence.

2. Classification of the Adjective and the Adjective Phrase: Both the adjective and the adjective phrase have classifications that can be understood as different formats or grammatical structures. Understanding these classifications is essential for mastering and properly using these language components.

3. Key Terms: The action of qualifying and the role of the being in qualification are key terms that must be understood for a complete and in-depth study of the adjective and the adjective phrase.

Conclusions

1. In-depth study of adjectives and adjective phrases is essential for enhancing written and verbal expression, providing greater richness and precision to language.

2. Mastery of the different types of adjectives and adjective phrases, as well as their respective classifications, allows for more versatile and efficient use of these grammatical components.

3. Constant practice and attentive reading are essential to solidify understanding and proper use of adjectives and adjective phrases.

Exercises

1. Classify the adjectives in the following sentences:

   • "The boys ran fast on the track."
   • "The children played happily in the park."
   • "The gray clouds indicate it will rain."

2. Transform the following sentences by replacing the adjective with an adjective phrase with the same meaning:

   • "The girl is intelligent."
   • "The house is large."
   • "The book is interesting."

3. Create five original sentences using adjectives and adjective phrases of different classifications.