We have learned here that the modifiers of the construction – “noun + noun modifier” can either modify preceding clauses or modify preceding nouns. This depends on the context of the sentence. We can make this determination by understanding the meaning of the sentence. In this post we will present a framework that will help to determine if this modifier modifies the preceding noun phrase.
Framework
The skeleton sentence structure in question is as shown:
Clause + preceding noun phrase, Noun + Noun modifier
“Noun + noun modifier” modifies the preceding noun phrase if it makes sense to say the following:
Preceding Noun Phrase IS "noun + noun modifier"
Application of Framework on Example 1
Example 1: The sentence below is is adapted from OG12#85-Choice A
Salt deposits threaten to destroy the Mohenjo-Daro excavation in Pakistan, the site of an ancient civilization that flourished at the same time as the other old civilizations.
Applying this framework to the example sentence above, we see that this sentence fits the framework and hence in this sentence the modifier in question is placed and worded correctly since it makes complete sense for this modifier to modify the preceding noun phrase.
Mohenjo-Daro excavation in Pakistan IS the site of an ancient civilization that flourished at the same time…
Application of Framework on Example 2
Example 2: The sentence below is is adapted from OG12#103 – Choice B
Yellow jackets number among the species of the world’s social wasps, wasps that live in a highly cooperative and organized society.
Applying this framework to the example sentence above, we see that this sentence fits the framework and hence in this sentence the modifier in question is placed and worded correctly since it makes complete sense for this modifier to modify the preceding noun phrase.
World’s social wasps ARE wasps that live in a highly cooperative and organized society.
Take-Away Message
- A modifier with the construction – noun + noun modifier – can modify the preceding clause or preceding noun phrase
- It modifies the preceding noun phrase if it makes sense to say – Preceding noun phrase IS noun + noun modifier.
Where can you get more information?
In this post you have learned the framework that helps with the understanding of the context of the sentence to determine if the “noun + noun modifier” modifies the preceding noun phrase. Review this post to learn the framework that helps with the understanding of the context of the sentence to determine if such modifier modifies preceding clause.
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