modifier

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi.
My friend said that an adverb modifies an action, and the action could be adjective, noun, or verb.

For example

“the increase in bird poaching led to the passage in 1999 of the XXXX ACT”

in the sentence, “in 1999” is preposition indicating timeframe and acting as an adverb, but it modifies “passage”, which means the act of approving.

Is what my friend said above correct?

Thank you.

2

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Hello, Manhhiep:

I love to parse (analyze sentence parts), so may I join your thread?

  1. I think that most books (and teachers) say that an adverb USUALLY modifies:

a verb
an adjective
another adverb

  1. Let’s first forget about “in 1999” and discuss this sentence:

The increase in bird poaching led to the passage of the Bird Protection Act.

a. The = adjective (“determiner” in newer language).
b. increase = noun.
c. in bird poaching = prepositional phrase that acts as an adjective because it modifies the noun “increase.”
d. led = verb.
e. to the passage = prepositional phrase that acts as an adverb because it modifies the verb “led.”
f. of the Bird Protection Act = an prepositional phrase that acts as an adjective because it modifies the noun “passage.”

The increase + in bird poaching + led + to the passage + of the Bird Protection Act.

(Compare: The increase in bird poaching led to the Bird Protection Act’s passage.)

Now comes the fun part!

I am NOT saying that your friend is wrong.

Maybe it is I who am wrong.

But I respectfully feel that “in 1999” does NOT modify “passage.”

Please study these three sentences.

IN 1999 the increase in bird poaching led to the passage of the Act.
The increase in bird poaching led to the passage IN 1999 of the Act.
The increase in bird poaching led to the passage of the Act IN 1999.

So what does it modify?

I believe that there are two theories:

  1. If a high school student (someone who is 15 - 17 years old) asked his teacher, I think that most teachers would simply say that it modifies the verb “led.”

a. WHEN did the increase in poaching lead to the passage of the Act?
i. Answer: In 1999.

  1. I think that at the university level, some instructors would say this:

Since “in 1999” can be moved around, some linguists (grammar experts at the university) would say that it actually modifies the WHOLE sentence:

Tom: In 1999.
Mona: What are you talking about? WHAT happened in 1999?
Tom: The increase in poaching led to the passage of the ACT.
Mona: Oh, now I understand.

James

3

James, I wonder how you have left Mona to Tom now. What happened? Are you not on terms with Mona these days? Did she desert you?
:confused:

:open_mouth:

4

Tom is younger (only 68) and more handsome (he dyes his hair).

I didn’t stand a chance!

5

Pity Mona. Appearances are deceptive. Let’s wish her all the best. :-I