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Attributive vs. predicative Exercises in Afrikaans language

Students practicing bilingual tasks in library.

Understanding the distinction between attributive and predicative adjectives is crucial for mastering Afrikaans grammar. Attributive adjectives directly modify nouns and are placed before the noun they describe, often agreeing in gender and number with the noun. For example, in the phrase "die groot huis" (the big house), "groot" is an attributive adjective modifying "huis." These adjectives provide essential descriptive details that help clarify and specify the noun, making your sentences more precise and informative. On the other hand, predicative adjectives follow a linking verb and describe the subject of the sentence rather than directly modifying a noun. They are usually found after verbs like "is" or "was," as in "Die huis is groot" (The house is big). In this construction, "groot" functions as a predicative adjective, providing information about the subject "huis." Mastering the use of attributive and predicative adjectives in Afrikaans will enhance your ability to construct clear and nuanced sentences, contributing to more effective and expressive communication.

Exercise 1

1. Die huis het *groot* vensters (adjective for large). 2. Die kinders is *gelukkig* by die park (adjective for happy). 3. Sy dra 'n *rooi* rok na die partytjie (adjective for red). 4. Die sop smaak *lekker* (adjective for tasty). 5. Die kat is *moeg* na 'n lang dag (adjective for tired). 6. Die berg is *hoog* en majestueus (adjective for tall). 7. Die hond is *vriendelik* teenoor vreemdelinge (adjective for friendly). 8. Die boek is baie *interessant* om te lees (adjective for interesting). 9. Die blomme ruik *vars* in die tuin (adjective for fresh). 10. Die motor is *nuut* en blink (adjective for new).

Exercise 2

1. Die *groot* hond blaf hard (describing the size of the dog). 2. Die blomme is *pragtig* in die tuin (describing the beauty of the flowers). 3. Sy dra 'n *rooi* rok na die partytjie (describing the color of the dress). 4. Die kos smaak *heerlik* (describing the taste of the food). 5. Die *ou* man stap stadig (describing the age of the man). 6. Die water is *koud* in die swembad (describing the temperature of the water). 7. Hy is 'n *vriendelike* persoon (describing the person's nature). 8. Die werk is *moeilik* (describing the difficulty of the work). 9. Die *sterk* wind waai deur die bome (describing the strength of the wind). 10. Die *skoon* kamer is gereed vir die gaste (describing the cleanliness of the room).

Exercise 3

1. Die hond is *groot* (size). 2. Sy dra 'n *mooi* rok (appearance of the dress). 3. Die kos smaak *heerlik* (taste). 4. Die kat is *swart* (color). 5. Hulle het 'n *nuwe* huis gekoop (condition of the house). 6. Sy is *vriendelik* met almal (personality trait). 7. Die boek is *interessant* (quality of the book). 8. Die lug is *blou* (color of the sky). 9. Hy is 'n *slim* student (intelligence). 10. Die tafel is *ronde* (shape).