Structure of Modification

What is the primary function of a modifier in syntax?

• To change the tense of a verb

• To provide additional information about a word

• To replace a noun in a sentence

• • To establish the subject of a sentence

Answer explanation

Modifiers add descriptive or specific information to a word in a sentence.

Which of the following best describes a pre-modifier?

• A word that comes after the noun and modifies it

• A word that comes before the noun and modifies it

• A word that adds tense to the verb

• • A word that links two clauses together

Answer explanation

A pre-modifier comes before the noun, like adjectives in “the big house.”

In the phrase “a very old house,” which word functions as a pre-modifier of old?

• a

• house

• old

• very

What is the head noun in the noun phrase “the big red balloon”?

• Big

• Red

• Balloon

• The

Which of the following has a post-modifier?

• That I saw yesterday

• The sweet girl

• quickly jumped

• a beautiful wooden Russian doll

What is an example of a post-modifier in the phrase “the car that I bought”?

• the

• car

• that I bought

• bought

Which of the following sentences contains a pre-modifier?

• The dog barked loudly

• The tall building collapsed

• She ran quickly

• He is a teacher

In the phrase “an incredibly fast runner,” which word serves as the main noun?

• an

• incredibly

• fast

• runner

In the phrase “the books on the shelf,” the phrase “on the shelf” is an example of:

• Pre-modifier

• Post-modifier

• Appositive

• predicate

Which sentence has a post-modifier that is an adjective clause?

• She wore a red dress.

• He met the girl who lives next door.

• They ate the delicious cake.

• The sunny day was enjoyable.