The words of the category of state denote the temporary state or condition of persons or things. But Johnny and Paddy were asleep, the rose-red glow had paled, bats were flying, and still the bathers had not returned. (Mansfield) Crearer said, “I’m afraid, General, we have to rely on the appeal of the leaflet.” (Heym) As regards form the words of the category of state have the prefix a-: ablaze, afire, aflame, afoot, afraid, asleep, awake, etc. They are mainly used in the function of a predicative. “He is awake!” Sally cried. (Saxton) That was all right in the [...]