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