The modifiers are collections of words (a phrase or a clause) that modify a sentence in such a way that it gives it a meaning. An adverb or an adjective are modifiers in a sentence. A noun is modified by an adjective and a verb is modified by an adverb.
Example:
- The sick old man was walking slowly.
(Adjectives “the sick old” modify the noun “man”. And the adverb “slowly” modifies the verb “slowly”).
- The farm owner (noun) shouted (verb) at the children furiously (adverb).
Types of Modifiers:
- Pre Modifiers.
- Post Modifiers.
Pre Modifiers:
When an adjective or an adverb comes before a noun or a verb it is known as the pre modifier.
Proper, descriptive and compound adjectives, as well as the articles, participles, and determiners fall into the category of pre modifiers.
For example:
- Often (adverbs) the (article) hardworking (descriptive adjectives) students (noun) get good grades.
- Fortunately (adverbs), the company (noun) had an efficient (descriptive adjectives) security system that prevented the theft.
Post Modifiers:
Post modifiers usually come after the word they modify. Mostly, the adverbs come after a verb. In this case, an adjective also follows a noun.
Adverbs of time, manner and place are known as Post modifiers.
Example:
- The employee (noun), who was sick (adjective). Left for home early (adverb).