PRONOMINAL ADJECTIVES
[Sidenote: _Definition._]
148. As has been said, pronominal adjectives are primarily
pronouns; but, when they _modify_ words instead of referring to them
as antecedents, they are changed to adjectives. They are of two
kinds,--RELATIVE and INTERROGATIVE,--and are used to join sentences or
to ask questions, just as the corresponding pronouns do.
[Sidenote: _Modify names of persons or things._]
149. The RELATIVE ADJECTIVES are _which_ and _what_; for example,--
It matters not _what_ rank he has, _what_ revenues or garnitures.
--CARLYLE.
The silver and laughing Xenil, careless _what_ lord should
possess the banks that bloomed by its everlasting
course.--BULWER.
The taking of _which_ bark. I verily believe, was the ruin of
every mother's son of us.--KINGSLEY.
In _which_ evil strait Mr. Oxenham fought desperately.--_Id._
[Sidenote: _Indefinite relative adjectives._]
150. The INDEFINITE RELATIVE adjectives are _what_, _whatever_,
_whatsoever_, _whichever_, _whichsoever_. Examples of their use are,--
He in his turn tasted some of its flavor, which, make _what_ sour
mouths he would for pretense, proved not altogether displeasing
to him.--LAMB.
_Whatever_ correction of our popular views from insight, nature
will be sure to bear us out in.--EMERSON.
_Whatsoever_ kind of man he is, you at least give him full
authority over your son.--RUSKIN.
Was there, as it rather seemed, a circle of ominous shadow moving
along with his deformity, _whichever_ way he turned
himself?--HAWTHORNE.
New torments I behold, and new tormented
Around me, _whichsoever_ way I move,
And _whichsoever_ way I turn, and gaze.
--LONGFELLOW (FROM DANTE).
151. The INTERROGATIVE ADJECTIVES are _which_ and _what_. They may
be used in direct and indirect questions. As in the pronouns, _which_
is selective among what is known; _what_ inquires about things or
persons not known.
[Sidenote: _In direct questions._]
Sentences with _which_ and _what_ in direct questions:--
_Which_ debt must I pay first, the debt to the rich, or the debt
to the poor?--EMERSON.
But when the Trojan war comes, _which_ side will you take?
--THACKERAY.
But _what_ books in the circulating library circulate?--LOWELL.
_What_ beckoning ghost along the moonlight shade
Invites my steps, and points to yonder glade?--POPE.
[Sidenote: _In indirect questions._]
Sentences with _which_ and _what_ in indirect questions:--
His head...looked like a weathercock perched upon his spindle
neck to tell _which_ way the wind blew.--IRVING.
A lady once remarked, he [Coleridge] could never fix _which_ side
of the garden walk would suit him best.--CARLYLE.
He was turned before long into all the universe, where it was
uncertain _what_ game you would catch, or whether any.--_Id._
At _what_ rate these materials would be distributed and
precipitated in regular strata, it is impossible to
determine.--AGASSIZ.
[Sidenote: _Adjective_ what _in exclamations_.]
152. In exclamatory expressions, _what_ (or _what a_) has a force
somewhat like a descriptive adjective. It is neither relative nor
interrogative, but might be called an EXCLAMATORY ADJECTIVE; as,--
Oh, _what a_ revolution! and _what a_ heart must I have, to
contemplate without emotion that elevation and that fall!--BURKE.
_What a_ piece of work is man!--SHAKESPEARE.
And yet, alas, the making of it right, _what a_ business for long
time to come!--CARLYLE
Through _what_ hardships it may attain to bear a sweet
fruit!--THOREAU.
Exercise
Find ten sentences containing pronominal adjectives.
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