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What are modifiers? How do they function in sentences?
Modifiers are words, phrases, and clauses that affect and often enhance the meaning
of a sentence. Modifiers offer detail that can make a sentence more engaging, clearer,
or specific. The simplest form of a modifier would be an adjective or adverb. But
again, modifiers can come in the form of phrases and clauses that
act like adjectives
and adverbs.
What are some examples of the types of modifiers that writers use?
Adjectival clause (acts as an adjective)
My sister,
who is an engineer
, works next door
.
“who is an engineer,” the
dependent clause
(one that cannot stand alone; an
incomplete thought), describes (or modifies) the noun “sister.”
Adjectival clauses usually begin with a relative pronoun (that, which, who, whom,
whose) or a relative adverb (where, when, why).
Adverbial clause (acts as adverb)
Because I was so tired
, I went to bed.
“Because I was so tired” describes the action of “going to bed.”
A trick: adverb clauses usually answer the
how
,
when
, and
why
of actions.
Why
did
I go to bed?
Because I was so tired.
Adverbial clauses usually begin with subordinating conjunctions.
Time
: after, when, until, soon, before,
Condition
: if, whether or not, provided, in case, unless
Cause and effect: because, as, since, so, in order that, now that, inasmuch as
Contrast: though, although, while, whereas, even though
Modifiers