He makes repeated attempts at Thorgal's life

Question

Gandalf the Mad: Aaricia's father and king of the Vikings of the North. He became the leader of his tribe after Thorgal's adoptive father's death. Greedy, cruel and mad, he makes repeated attempts at Thorgal's life, whom he perceives a threat to the legitimacy of his own rule.I'd like to know whether "Greedy, cruel and mad," is a participle phrase, as an adjective phrase, modifying "he."

GPY · Accepted Answer

park sang joonis a participle phrase

Where is the participle?

Park sang joon · Answer

Thank you, GPY, for your yet another answer.

I thought "being" was implicit in "Greedy, cruel and mad,"

GPY · Answer

park sang joonThank you, GPY, for your yet another answer. I thought "being" was implicit in "Greedy, cruel and mad,"

Not really. Inserting "being" is grammatical but slightly changes the nuance (gives the phrase a more explanatory feel). I think you often try to look for missing words where there are none.

Park sang joon · Answer

Thank you, GPY, for your continuing support.

Then, I'd like to know how the adjective phrase can modify "he."

GPY · Answer

park sang joonThank you, GPY, for your continuing support. Then, I'd like to know how the adjective phrase can be modifying "he."

This is a standard pattern. I guess you can think of it as like a participle phrase but using "true" adjectives instead.

Cold and tired, I made my way home.
Blind to the danger, Mr Smith pressed forward.

He makes repeated attempts at Thorgal's life

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions