MODIFICATION

12th &13th meeting

Modifier

A modifier is a subordinate element in and endocentric structure.

Ex; dirty dogmod NHdog thereNH modextremely dirtyquite expensive

A modifier can modify noun, adj, verb, adverb or even non suffixing words but in this unit we will restrict to the use of modifier in the noun phrase and sentence.

Sentence Modifier

A sentence modifier is an adverbial that modifies a whole sentence.

Ex; Naturally, he behaved at the party.

S. Mod Sentence

In the sentence above, the word naturally modifies the whole he behaved at the party sentence.

The Noun Phrase: Prenominal Modifiers

Prenominal modifiers are the modifiers which precede the head of a noun phrase.ex: Those dirty wool socks

det mod mod NHThere are some elements of prenominal modifiers

like noun (I), Adjective (II), Post determiner (III), Determiner (IV), Predeterminer (V), Restricter (VI).

Determiner (IV), although it’s not a modifier, is included in the prenominal elements because it’s an necesarry part of a Noun phrase.

The fenceD NHThat low fence

D Aj NHOur garden fence

D N NHOur sturdy garden fenceD(IV) Aj(II) N(I) NH

Determiner (IV) may consist of two subclasses:1. Det (IVa) which consists of articles, poss adj,

poss. of names, demonstratives.ex; that shiny leather shoes

IVa II I2. Det (IVb) which consist of another, any, each,

either, enough, much, neither, no, some, what, which, whose.ex; another young English teacher

IVb II I

All the pretty horses

V IVa II

The word all is in the position V(Predeterminer).

Predeterminer is a word that precede the determiner.

Predeterminer consists of all, both, half, double and few others.

Both those two aimless fellows

V IVa III II

Position III is called postdeterminer position.

This position is located after the determiner.

Postdeterminer consists of cardinal numbers, ordinal numbers, poss of common nouns.

Especially all our guests

VI V IVA

The last of the prenominals is the restricters which occupy VI position.

Restricters precede the predeterminer(V).

Restricters consists of especially, even, just, merely, only, particularly, almost, nearly.