Identifying Word Class of 'Obligatory'

The sentence provided is: "It is obligatory for all employees to wear protective clothing."

The task is to determine the word class (part of speech) of the underlined word, which is obligatory.

Analyzing the Role of 'Obligatory'

• The word obligatory describes the nature of wearing protective clothing. It indicates that wearing it is required or necessary.
• In the sentence structure, "It is [word]...", the word obligatory follows the linking verb 'is' and describes the subject 'It' (which refers to the act of wearing protective clothing).

Understanding Word Classes

• Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. They provide more information about the qualities, characteristics, or state of being of the noun/pronoun.
• Examples: 'big' dog, 'happy' person, 'necessary' step.
• Based on its function in the sentence, obligatory clearly fits the definition of an adjective.

Evaluating Options

• Noun: A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea (e.g., requirement, clothing). Obligatory does not name anything; it describes.
• Adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun. Obligatory describes the requirement to wear clothing. This matches the definition.
• Adverb: Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb (e.g., quickly, very). Obligatory does not modify a verb, adjective, or adverb here.
• Participle: Verb forms used as adjectives (e.g., 'running' water, 'broken' window). While participles function as adjectives, obligatory is a standard adjective, not a participle form.

Conclusion

The word obligatory functions as an adjective in the sentence, describing the necessity of wearing protective clothing.