Prenoun modifier: distinguishing adj and nouns

[stressin]

Hi,

I am having a hard time distinguishing adjective over noun modifiers.

Why in the sentence "the state legislature" state is a noun modifier while
"an old blue military uniform" the term military is an adj???

Please help explain not only the solutions to the examples, but how I should approach similar problems with other sentences in the future.

Thanks in advance.

[Casiopea]

Hi,

I am having a hard time distinguishing adjective over noun modifiers.

Why in the sentence "the state legislature" state is a noun modifier while
"an old blue military uniform" the term military is an adj???

Please help explain not only the solutions to the examples, but how I should approach similar problems with other sentences in the future.

Thanks in advance.

1. state legislature
2. military uniform

Here's a trick: If you can place a determiner/article (i.e. a/an/the) before the word, then you know it's a noun. Like this,

a state :D
the state :D

But not,

a military
the military :D

If you are not sure if you can place a determiner before the word, then look up the word in your dictionary. 8)

In my dictionary, military is listed as an adjective and as a noun. That is, you cannot say, a military (adj.), but you can say the military (noun). 8)