Modifier (i.e. dependent)

From Glottopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

In syntax, the term modifier was sometimes used in the sense of dependent for an element which is neither an argument nor a predicate, but which modifies another element or phrase (e.g. a predicate).

Comments

This usage is found, for example, in Fries (1952:202ff.) and Hawkins (1983). It is becoming obsolete.

Example

the adverb very is a modifier of the adjective ill in he is very ill.

Links

Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics


References

  • Fries, CC. 1952. The Structure of English. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World.
  • Hawkins, John A. 1983. Word order universals. New York: Academic Press.