Substantivized adjectives
Sometimes adjectives become substantivized. In this case they have the
functions of nouns in the sentence and are always preceded by the definite
article. They can be partially substantivized (i.e. acquiring only some of the
morphological characteristics of nouns) or fully substantivized (i.e. can be used
with all articles).
Substantivized adjectives may have two meanings:
1) Substantivized adjectives may indicate a class of persons in a general
sense (e.g. the poor = poor people, the dead
= dead people, etc.)
Such adjectives are plural in meaning and take a plural verb. The old receive
pensions.
If we wish to denote a single person, we must add a noun. The old man
receives a pension.
If we wish to refer to a particular group of people (not the whole class), it is
also necessary to add a noun. The young are usually intolerant. The young
men are fishing.
Some adjectives denoting nationalities (e.g. English, French, Dutch) are used
in the same way.
The English are great lovers of tea. There were a few English
people among the
tourists.
2) Substantivized adjectives may also indicate an abstract notion. Then they
are singular in meaning and take a singular verb. The good in him overweighs
the bad.
poor |
the poor |
old |
the old |
young |
the young |
a poor
man
|
the poor=
poor
people
|
an old
man
|
the old=
old people
|
a young
man
|
the young=
young people
|
These adjectives have the function of a noun and may:
a) indicate the class of people b) denote nationalities
Sample: The rich should pay higher taxes.
The government has promised to provide more money to help the
homeless. Note: Their predicates are always
used in the plural.
|