Adjectives used only in predicative position

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Some adjectives are only used in predicative position. That means they go after be and other copular verbs (e.g. seem, look, become, turn, feel, etc.). Adjectives that are only used in the predicative position usually begin with the letter a. Examples are: afloat, afraid, alright, alike, alive, alone, asleep and awake. In the attributive position (before a noun), we use other words or phrases to express the same idea.

Asleep cannot be used before a noun.
She read for a while and then fell asleep.
Do not disturb a sleeping baby.
(INCORRECT Do not disturb an asleep baby.)

Afloat cannot be used before a noun.
The vessel is still afloat.
A floating leaf
(INCORRECT an afloat leaf)

Afraid cannot be used before a noun.
He was afraid.
John is a frightened man.
(INCORRECT John is an afraid man.)

The adjectives ill and well are mostly used in the predicative position. Before a noun, we use other words with similar meanings.

He is very well.
He is a healthy man. OR He is a fit man.
(INCORRECT He is a well man.)

She is ill.
Who looks after sick people?
(INCORRECT Who looks after ill people?)

Ill is not normally used before a noun.

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