Question

Articular adjectives in the absence of a head noun (o agathos ...) indicate that the adjective is likely functioning in the ________.

A) Subject position
B) Object position
C) Predicate position
D) Modifier position

Answer 1

An articular adjective without a head noun typically functions in the predicate position, where it describes or characterizes the subject. Option C is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an articular adjective appears without a head noun (as in the example 'o agathos,' which literally means 'the good'), it likely functions in the predicate position. In such cases, the adjective is providing a description or characterization of the subject, as part of the predicate.

This can be compared with the typical sentence structure where the predicate follows the subject and includes a verb and, potentially, a subject complement that provides additional information about the subject. For example, in the sentence "Socrates is wise," 'wise' functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject 'Socrates.'