Can Adverb modify noun?

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Tdol

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Normally, adjectives modify nouns, but there are occasional examples where they modify nouns and pronouns. ;-)
 

Casiopea

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rath bun said:
Some teachers said that Adverb can modify noun?

Gerunds, also called verbal nouns, can be modified by adverbs, like this,

Eating quickly will give you indigestion.

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Tdol

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God point. :lol:

But they can also be modified by adjectives- Heavy smoking causes cancer.;-)
 
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Andy

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"Very" is usually classified as an adverb, but it can modify nouns in expressions such as, "the very beginning, middle or end." I think it becomes an adjective here, though.
 

MikeNewYork

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Andy said:
"Very" is usually classified as an adverb, but it can modify nouns in expressions such as, "the very beginning, middle or end." I think it becomes an adjective here, though.

Yes. "Very" is an adjective there. It is unusual to have an adverb modify a noun. It is possible with a gerund, because it keeps many of its verb characteristics. It is also possibly with nouns that are formed from adjectives.
 

japanjapan

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rath bun said:
Some teachers said that Adverb can modify noun?

I happen to know this question, let me try.

Adverb can modify noun, but it has to be put behind the noun.

The typical example is this :

Look at the people there, they are laughing.

the word "there" is an adverb, it modifies "people", but it has to be put behind "people".

That's my opinion.
 

Casiopea

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japanjapan said:
rath bun said:
Some teachers said that Adverb can modify noun?

I happen to know this question, let me try.

Adverb can modify noun, but it has to be put behind the noun.

The typical example is this :

Look at the people there, they are laughing.

the word "there" is an adverb, it modifies "people", but it has to be put behind "people".

That's my opinion.

Good memory! :D

Look at the people (who are standing over) there.

In this case, there answers the question "Where?" so its function is that of an adverb. It's also part of an omitted relative clause which modifies the noun people. In other words, it's an adverb that's part of an adjectival phrase.

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Tdol

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I did say that 'some' would argue it.;-)
 

MikeNewYork

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tdol said:
I did say that 'some' would argue it.;-)

I will argue with it. When one looks at "the people there", "there" answers the question "which people" more than "where", in my opinion.

That difference also occurs here.

The man is sitting in the car. (in the car - adverbial phrase - where?)
The man in the car is smoking. (in the car - adjectival phrase - which man?)

:wink:
 
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