Modifiers in phrases
The term modifier is a function label that is used for words or phrases that modify the Head of a phrase. Put differently: a modifier gives more information about the Head; it makes its meaning more specific.
All phrase types can contain modifiers. Here are some examples:
Noun phrase modifiers:
- big issues
- small painting
- very nice passages
Verb phrase modifiers:
- have always been
- can actually cheat
- probably manage
Modifiers inside verb phrases are called Adverbials, though these can also modify clauses.
Adjective phrase modifiers:
- quite sweet
- not too large
- just so predictable
Prepositional phrase modifiers:
- really in favour
- right up my street
- straight down the drain
Adverb phrase modifiers:
- very quickly
- more consistently
- never really
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