帮助中心

modifier

[ˈmɒdɪfaɪə(r)]

modifier Definition

  • 1a word or group of words that describes or limits the meaning of another word or group of words
  • 2a person or thing that modifies something

Using modifier: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "modifier" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    In the phrase 'big house,' 'big' is a modifier of 'house.'

  • Example

    The adverb 'quickly' is a modifier of the verb 'run.'

  • Example

    The teacher acted as a modifier of the student's behavior.

modifier Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for modifier

Phrases with modifier

  • a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence

    Example

    Walking to the store, the rain started to fall. (The modifier 'walking to the store' is not clearly modifying any word in the sentence.)

  • an infinitive verb form that has a word (usually an adverb) between 'to' and the base verb form

    Example

    To boldly go where no one has gone before. ('Boldly' is a modifier splitting the infinitive 'to go'.)

  • a modifier that is placed too far away from the word it modifies, causing confusion or ambiguity

    Example

    I saw a man on the hill with a telescope. (It is unclear whether the man or the speaker has the telescope.)

Origins of modifier

from Latin 'modificare', meaning 'to limit, restrain'

📌

Summary: modifier in Brief

A 'modifier' [ˈmɒdɪfaɪə(r)] is a word or group of words that describes or limits the meaning of another word or group of words. It can be an adjective, adverb, or other qualifier, as in 'big house' or 'quickly run.' 'Modifier' also refers to a person or thing that modifies something, as in a teacher modifying a student's behavior. Common errors include dangling modifiers, split infinitives, and misplaced modifiers.