1. peachalulu

    peachalulu Member Reviewer Contributor

    Joined:
    May 20, 2012
    Messages:
    4,620
    Likes Received:
    3,807
    Location:
    occasionally Oz , mainly Canada

    Can nouns turn into modifers successfully?

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by peachalulu, Oct 21, 2012.

    In a scene I'm writing I've got two characters one in pajamas the other topless. One bare shoulder winds up brushing a pajama-ed
    shoulder. Thats how I wrote it pajama-ed. Technically not a word. The scene is jumped into but I suppose I could have explained the
    clothing situation to avoid this. In fact the scene may not even make it into the story but it got me to thinking - can a writer
    successfully turn a noun into a modifier? or does the reader smirk and think the writer is being too 'clever'.
    Ironically, I did it to avoid an extra sentence not really to be experimental.

    Jude leaned over untill his bare shoulder brushed Alice’s pajama-ed shoulder.

    I suppose I could've just said Jude leaned over untill his bare shoulder brushed Alice's pajama clad shoulder.
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    There are nouns that have corresponding adjectives, e.g. buttered, booked, penciled, watered. Pajamaed is in the dictionary, not hyphenated. But be careful about coining your own.

    Remember to use a dictionary if you have one. If you don't, get one! Or more than one.
     
  3. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    yup!... all of that...
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice