Modifier (linguistics)
In linguistics, a modifier is a linguistic expression that is not governed by a superordinate element. It is usually a free addition to a state of affairs that is independent of the modifier. Modifiers can be single words or more complex phrases (up to and including sentences).
To be ruled means that an essential quality of the ruled expression is required and implemented by the ruled element. Thus, all constituents in the sentence whose case is governed by the verb (or other parts of speech) do not count as modifiers.
Examples of modifiers are prenominal (attributive) adjectives (example 1.) or prepositional adverbials (example 2.):
- That's a good suggestion.
- Peter gets his bike at the flea market .
Web links
- http://fak1-alt.kgw.tu-berlin.de/call/linguistiktutorien/semantik/semantik%20k5.html
- http://home.uni-leipzig.de/doelling/veranstaltungen/verbsem2.pdf
literature
- Hagen Hirschmann: Modifiers in German: their classification and variety-specific use. Stauffenberg Verlag, Tübingen, 2015, ISBN 978-3-95809-540-3 . ( Online )