[Word order] Determiner + Adjective + Noun + of Noun.

[Tae-Bbong-E]

I have many times heard phrases consisting of [Determiner + Adjective + Noun + of Noun].

So could I understand like this?

• my main areas of concern = my main concern areas.
• my main areas of interest = my main interest areas.
• my important file of shipment. = my important shipment file.
• an elitist model of society. = an elitist society model.

In respect of NPs in the left side, what does the first adjective(main/important/elitist) modify? a <noun> or a <of noun>?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Phaedrus]

• my main areas of concern = my main concern areas.
• my main areas of interest = my main interest areas.
• my important file of shipment. = my important shipment file.
• an elitist model of society. = an elitist society model.

In respect of NPs in the left side, what does the first adjective(main/important/elitist) modify? a <noun> or a <of noun>?

The adjective modifies the whole noun phrase, which contains both the head noun and the "of"-PP.

 

[PaulMatthews]

I have many times heard phrases consisting of [Determiner + Adjective + Noun + of Noun]. So could I understand like this?

• my main areas of concern = my main concern areas.
• my main areas of interest = my main interest areas.
• my important file of shipment. = my important shipment file.
• an elitist model of society. = an elitist society model.

In respect of NPs in the left side, what does the first adjective(main/important/elitist) modify? a <noun> or a <of noun>?

I'd say that the adjectives modify the heads of the nominals, i.e. "areas", "file" and "model".

The of PPs are separate constituents functioning as complements within the nominals.