Final answer:
The presence of an adjective determines its function, which is to modify or describe nouns within a sentence. Understanding form versus function helps identify the adjective's role, and Russell's concept of definite descriptions showcases how descriptors can uniquely identify subjects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The location, presence, or absence of an adjective is key to recognizing what function it serves in a sentence. Adjectives are words that modify or describe nouns. Examples include 'affordable' in 'I need to find an affordable car,' or 'reliable' in 'Ms. Chu needs to find a more reliable car.' In these cases, the adjectives 'affordable' and 'reliable,' respectively, modify the noun 'car,' with the latter being part of an adjective phrase that includes the comparative 'more.' Understanding the difference between the form of a word and its function is crucial. For instance, while 'eating' typically has the form of a verb, it functions nominally (as a noun) when it acts as the subject of the sentence 'Eating an apple a day can keep the doctor away.'
Following Bertrand Russell's insight on definite descriptions, we could analyze objects in a sentence through descriptions that uniquely identify them. For instance, 'my dog likes naps' can be detailed with unique characteristics that differentiate this dog from others. When we use these descriptive details, they often function as adjectives, modifying the noun, and adding specificity to our communication.