What does "really" modify?

Question

"I just work, eat, and sleep. Occasionally, I take a shower. I mean, that really is my treat."

Does "really" modify "is," or does it modify "is my treat"? (Compare: That is really my treat.)

Thank you for your expert opinion.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

James M I mean, that really is my treat.

"Really" modifies "is." That really is my gun. This is really a treat!
(Not "this is a real treat," where "real" modifies "treat.")

It would be the same with an action verb: That really torques my jaw. "Really" modifies the verb.

She really knocked 'em dead! (Sorry, these last two are slang idioms.)
You might call "really" an intensifier.

Edit. I see. You're asking if it modifies the phrase or the verb alone.
I suppose it could be argumentative. There are some strange new ways of looking at things.
I "really" don't think you could throw in the subject as well and call it a "sentential modifier."

James M (Compare: That is really my treat.)

This one could be interpreted as answering the question "is it, or not?" "That is really my brother."
In my opinion, it still modifies only the verb, "is."

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you very much for your reply, Avangi.

What does "really" modify?

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