What are adjectives that begin with 'a' called in grammar?

Question

I mean adjectives like: ablaze, afloat, alive, ashore, ...

I did a quick Google search and found that they are called a adjectives. But I do remember that I came across a different denomination in a grammar book some time ago, but I have since forgotten that word.

Could anyone help?

I believe they are simply called: "prepositional phrases" (e.g., asleep comes from the Old English PP “on sleep”). I don't know if that is the answer you are looking for, if it is, someone can expand and submit it. — Mari-Lou A, Feb 14 '16 at 12:25
Thx for your edit & for adding 'alive' @Mari-LouA. But I think I came across a different word than your suggestion. — , Feb 14 '16 at 12:31
Closely related: What is the history of adding the a- prefix to form words? — Mari-Lou A, Feb 14 '16 at 13:03
@Mari-LouA Interesting & informative but still not very helpful! — , Feb 14 '16 at 13:12
Consider the possibility that your memory might be playing tricks on you, you think there is a specific grammatical term for this type of construction. What you are remembering is the actual construction itself, the realization that the "a" is used as a prefix, a throwback to the days when it was a preposition. — Mari-Lou A, Feb 14 '16 at 13:15
Related: 1. The times they are a-changin' 2. The times are a-changing? Why a-? 3. What does the “a’ ” in “a’blowing” signify？ 4. progressive forms: participle or gerund? — Mari-Lou A, Feb 14 '16 at 13:20
@Mari-LouA Got to go and find da book; gosh, don't even remember what grammar book was it! — , Feb 14 '16 at 13:26

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 14 '16 at 17:25

2

Oxford ALD refers to them as predicative adjectives usually occurring after copulative verbs such as Be, Seem, Get, Become, Look, etc. Also:http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/adjectives.htm

answered Feb 14 '16 at 17:25

Cascabel_StandWithUkraine_

20,777

Found the book -- it refers to them as predicative adjectives too.Thank you for your help. – Feb 14 '16 at 18:58
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From the link: The most common of the so-called a- adjectives are ablaze, afloat, afraid, aghast, alert, alike, alive, (etc.). These adjectives will primarily show up as predicate adjectives (i.e., they come after a linking verb).* Not all adjectives that begin with an "a" are predicative. Not all predicative adjectives are "a-adjectives". – Mari-Lou A Feb 15 '16 at 14:17

What are adjectives that begin with 'a' called in grammar?

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