modification

[Taka]

Thank you!

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by Taka

Thank you!

No problem, Taka.

That is an interesting and detailed analysis.

In fact it is the functionally correct analysis.

I'm not sure why you toook issue with the word "modifier".

Because it had been misused.

By definition, prepositional phreases are modifiers.

By whose definition? From a functional perspective, prepositional phrases are most definitely not modifiers, though they can be part of an embedded clause, which - as I took pains to point out - postmodifies a Nominal Group.

eg. He took the money <<that was sitting on the desk>> .

The prepositional phrase on a hill in the clause I live in a house on a hill is in fact is part of the embedded clause that is on a hill.

The that is has merely been ellipted. Ellipsis is common in English, and I'm sorry but I have no time right now to go through the many and obvious examples of this. If you are unsure about this, post again on the topic and I'll be glad to assist.

In fact you have proved to us both that the PP on a house in your example most certainly is part of a heavily ellipted embedded clause, because otherwise you would be claiming that the proposition is I live - on a hill - in a house.

You have used the words "gives information about" and that is one function of a modifier.

Incorrect. I really don't have time to waste in arguing against something so obviously wrong. Do you have access to a dictionary?

Also, I agree that some people see "to understand on a basic level" as a non-finite clause. Others would call it an infinitive phrase.

From a functional perspective, any Verbal Group not acting as part of a modifying element is part of a rank level clause (ie does not include "weaker" postmodifying embedded clauses, which function only as part of a rank level clause - ie they are embedded within rank level clauses) and with the exception of those that are part of embedding (ie part of a modifyier) every rank level clause contains one and only one Verbal Group.

I totally agree with Mike.

That is your prerogative.



Thanks for your comments.

[Taka]

Modification

Modification means to change or add to the meaning of something. Adjectives, adverbs, nouns, phrases, and clauses all act as modifiers. They give more information or describe other words in a sentence. Modifiers must be placed as close as possible to the word or words they modify, or the sentence may be confusing.

Examples:

Prepositional phrase modifier:

There is a lovely vase of roses on the table.

Adjective modifier:

The vase was filled with sweet smelling, fresh lavender roses.

Adverb clause modifier:

While you were at the store, I placed a vase of fresh roses on the table for you


http://oregonstate.edu/dept/eli/buswrite/modifiers.html

Paper bag modifier: something the grocer puts the apples in. Clearly you are happy calling everything and anything a modifier.

I won't waste my time bickering over semantics, but I would like to point out to you that your implication that the three underlined groups of words in the Clause Complexes above are functionally identical is clearly, categorically and incontestably wrong.

If you would like me to provide a correct and clear functional analysis for each of the Clause Complexes written above, I will do so. Ask and ye shall receive. I am interested only in function, and not in quibbling over the terminologies of pedagogically useless and academically moribund parsing grammars.

I should also add that it is of absolutely no consequence to me what some academic careers might have been founded on and continue to depend on.

[Francois]

If you would like me to provide a correct and clear functional analysis for each of the Clause Complexes written above, I will do so

Yes, I would be interested if you had the time.

FRC

[Taka]

In case you need something more "academic":

Modifiers

This chapter covers various types of modifiers: adverbs, prepositions, adjectives, and noun modifiers in noun-noun compounds .

http://www.cis.upenn.edu/~xtag/relea...l/node160.html

Prepositions

http://www.cis.upenn.edu/~xtag/relea...l/node164.html

OK. I would be interested in your analysis as well.

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by wunaide

In fact it is the functionally correct analysis.

As I said, your comments are interesting, albeit odd. Nevertheless you are entitled to your opinions.

Thank you for your interest and your patience. I will do my best to provide a clear analysis in the coming days.