Some adjectives can be followed by other words and expressions which complete their meaning. These adjective ‘complements’ can be of different kinds. For example, some adjectives are followed by preposition + noun / -ing form. Others are followed by infinitives.
- She is interested in philosophy. (Here the adjective interested is followed by a preposition + noun.)
- She is interested in learning philosophy. (Here the adjective interested is followed by a preposition + -ing form.)
- We are ready to start. (Here the adjective ready is followed by an infinitive.)
- You don’t look happy to see me.
If the infinitive has its own subject, it is introduced by for.
- She is anxious for her daughter to get a good job. (= She is anxious that her daughter should get a good job.)
Many adjectives can be followed by more than one kind of complement.
- I am pleased about your success. (preposition + noun)
- I am pleased to accept this invitation. (to-infinitive)
- I am pleased that you are doing well in your studies. (that-clause)
Note that if the adjective is followed by a noun, we put the complement after the noun.
- He is a difficult person to work with. (NOT He is a difficult to work with person.)
