Adjectives and adjective phrases function in two basic ways, attributively or predicatively. All adjectives can be used either attributively, predicatively, or substantively. Used attributively, adjectives precede the nouns they modify. In English, some "plurale tantum" nouns have a singular form, used only attributively. Possessive determiners are not inflected when used attributively, unlike adjectives. Almost all adjectives in Irish can be used either predicatively or attributively. Its literal meaning is sustainer, a name metaphorically and attributively used for Khuda or God. Adjectives can be used attributively, before a noun. Comparatives used attributively follow the nouns they modify, but superlatives precede their nouns. This form is used when the adjective is used attributively, where it precedes the noun. When there is no attributive form, this doesn't mean it can't be used attributively. All adjectives can be used attributively, predicatively, or substantively. Pronouns, nouns and verbs, especially state verbs, can be used attributively. However, some languages, such as Japanese and Chinese, can use finite verbs attributively. Deverbal nouns may also be used attributively, as noun adjuncts, as in "a swimming competition".