in the cage

Question

Hi.We saw a jaguar in the cage.A learner is working on prepositional phrases, judging specifically whether they modify the verb (adverbial) or the noun (adjectival).  In the example, my instinct tells me "in the cage" modifies "saw," but I'm at a loss to explain to him in a useful way why it doesn't modify "jaguar."Any help?Best wishes,  - A.

Grammarwannabe · Accepted Answer

Hi-
I'm not 100% sure on this one, but sometimes a prepositional phrase can act as both --depending on the focus:

We split the money among the people in the room

An prepositional phrase acting as an adverb answers how, when, where, how much, and why
In this case, "in the room" answers where (the money was split)--it modifies the verb

Acting as an adjective, it answers which or what kind
"in the room" can modify "the people" answering what (people)

We saw a jaguar in a cage

I would say most of the time we are focused on where we saw the jaguar (adverb)--modifying "saw"

and not what kind of jaguar (the "in the cage" jaguar)--making it act as an adjective.

Does that make sense? I tend to nat make sense when I shorten my answers.

Avangi · Answer

Hi, Gw. I'm inclined to agree with you. I personally go with the verb, but I can't explain why. I suppose if one were taking an exam, he could respond, "take your pick."

ESL seems to have grown into something of a cottage industry. Everybody and his brother are writing exams. Sometimes a bit of remote mindreading is called for.

I'm a great supporter of allowing the author to choose a "less than favorite" usage in order to direct the focus this way or that. But in this case, there's no way to tip it. Previous context can help, but in the end the reader is free to choose whether "in the cage" tells where or which. - (as if it made a difference).

Thanks very much for your reply. - A.

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