modifier

Question

whats a modifier???

Ayadi Ghait · Accepted Answer

someone or something that modifies other stuff!

Anonymous · Answer

Hello, Anonymous:

Great question.

Basically it is a word or some words that "belong" to another word or group of words.

Here are some "easy" examples:

A patient teacher. ("Patient" modifies "teacher." It describes the teacher.)

A very nice teacher. ("Very" modifies "nice." It tells us how nice.)

The books on the table. ("On the table" modifies " the books." NOT the books on the floor. NOT the books with red covers. But the books ON THE TABLE.)

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Sometimes it is difficult to know what modifies what. Sometimes you will read questions on this website asking: What does X modify? Sometimes people will not agree on one "right" answer. Here are some examples with my favorite word. Please tell me what "really" modifies in these sentences:

1. Really, I think that you are a good student.

2. Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciated your help.

3.Mona is really beautiful.

According to my books: 1. "Really" modifies the whole sentence. = Believe me, I think that you are a good student.
2. "Really" emphasizes ("modifies") the verb "appreciated."
3. "Really" modifies "beautiful." In this sentence, "really" = "very."

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As you can see, the whole subject of modification can be very confusing. Just post your questions here. I have been a member for only one month, but -- with only one exception -- ALL the other members have been kind and patient with me. They will be kind and patient with you, too. Really!

modifier

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