2.48 predicative adjectives

Some adjectives are normally used only as the complement of a link verb and not in front of a noun. These adjectives are called predicative adjectives.

For example, you can say 'She felt glad', but you do not normally talk about 'a glad woman'.

Here is a list of adjectives usually used predicatively:

Note that they are not usually followed by a prepositional phrase.

2.49

Because their meaning would otherwise be unclear or incomplete, some adjectives are usually followed by a prepositional phrase. For example, you cannot simply say that someone is 'accustomed'. You have to say that they are 'accustomed to' something.

The following usage notes explain which prepositions you use after a particular adjective.