Modifiers Flashcards
Noun Essential vs. Non-Essential
that or which
essential: that (modifies preceding noun)
non-essential: comma which
Which –> always a noun or adverbial modifier or both?
always noun
Where to place a noun modifier
As close to noun as possible
Modifiers nouns or actions?
comma which and comma -ing
nouns: comma which
actions: comma -ing
-ing/-ed: when do you want a comma
noun –> no comma
adverbial –> comma
Adverbial mod
do not modify plain nouns or pronouns–> anything else. including nouns in a clause
answer a how, when, where, why, or how much question about some other information in the sentence.
more free to place as long as clearly points to one thin
Noun mod
plain nouns and pronouns
POSSESSIVE nouns are adjectives not nouns
answer specific question about the noun
as close as possible to the noun
Noun modifier markers
which, that, who, whose, whom
that> doesn’t always signal. needs to be noun+that
Whose
people and things
who/whom
modify people
which
not people
prep + which or whom
(through which, for whom)
Invert text to check - can change the article
the canal through which water flows
water flows through the canal
where/when is noun, adverbial or both?
Both
Where
modify place, but not metaphorical place like a condition, situation etc.
When / In which / during which
can all modify a time, period age.
Subordinate clauses
complete sentence + subordinate (like although, after, that, ecause)
adverbial mods
different from opening clause because it tells you what the subject is > don’t need to check whether main subject matches
Uncountable modifiers
much, little, less, least, amount, great
Subordinate clause with contrast
Ensure it actually conveys contrast
Countable modifiers
many, few, fewer, fewest, number, numerouos
countable and uncountable modifiers
more, most, enough, all
Between vs. Among
2 = between
3+ = among
(un)countable with units
dollars, gallons
use less with unit nouns when you really want to indicate something about the underlying quantity
comparative items
2: use comparative
3+: use superlative
comparison using the word “numbers”
GREATER than
wrong: more than
countability with singular vs plural
soda –> not countable
sodas -> countable
marker= opening modifier
what does it modify?
the main noun that follows the comma
marker=… that…
what does it modify?
preceding noun
marker= , who
what does it modify?
a preceding person
marker= where
what does it modify?
a preceding place
marker= whose
what does it modify?
a preceding noun
marker= when
what does it modify?
a preceding time
marker= comma -ing
what does it modify?
a verb, cause, or other modifier
cannot modify a noun
must logically follows what it modifies
