Can corporation be an adjective?

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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soidog
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Can corporation be an adjective?

Post by soidog »

We know Apple is name of a big company and a proper noun. But if we say Apple culture or Apple products, is Apple a noun being used as an adjective or a real (and proper) adjective?

Same thing with London. Some books say London is the adjective from London. Yet we cannot say "This food is London" but we CAN say "This food is Parisian".

Thanks for your guidance.
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Alan
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Re: Can corporation be an adjective?

Post by Alan »

A very good question!

Essentially, as regards phrases such as Apple products or London buses we would describe 'Apple' and 'London' as ADJECTIVALS (or adjectival modifiers) rather than as a true adjectives, exemplified by 'Parisian'.

Adjectivals which are not true adjectives generally cannot function as complements, which explains why we can say

This food is Parisian.

but not

*This food is London.

I hope that helps!
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