We’ve discussed modifiers and complements, but they, too, can be modified.

In this post, we’re going to explore modifiers, complements, and how they work together to create rich and engaging sentences. Let’s dive in!

What Are Modifiers?

Let’s review! Modifiers are words or phrases that add more information to other parts of a sentence. There are two main types of modifiers:

Adjectives: Modify nouns or pronouns.

♦ Example: The blue sky was beautiful.

Related Reading: Understanding Subject Modifiers

Adverbs: Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

♦ Example: She ran quickly.

Modifiers can also come in phrases or clauses, adding even more detail

♦ Example: The boy wearing a red hat waved at us.

Why Do Modifiers Matter?

Modifiers help us express ideas more vividly and precisely. We use modifiers in books, advertisements, or even everyday conversations.

♦ Example: This is the best pizza in town (Uses a modifier best to make the statement more impactful).

What Are Complements?

Complements are words or groups of words that complete the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun. They’re essential to making sentences make sense.

There are two common types of complements:

Subject Complements: Follow linking verbs and describe the subject

♦ Example: She is kind.

Object Complements: Follow and describe or rename the object of the verb.

♦ Example: They painted the walls white.

Complements provide essential information, completing the sentence’s meaning. Omitting them would make the sentence feel incomplete.

Complements Modified

You can modify complements, nouns, and adjectives.

Subject Complements

A subject complement may be modified in the same ways as a subject.

Examples:

♦ Santiago lost a gold watch. (The direct object watch is modified by the adjectives a and gold).
♦ My father built the house where I was born. (The direct object house is modified by the adjective the and the adjective clause in which I was born.)
♦ You have forfeited your right to vote. (The direct object right is modified by the possessive pronoun your and the infinitive to vote.)

Predicate Nominatives

Complements in the predicate nominative position are also subject to modification.

Examples:

♦ Her wife is an old soldier. (The predicate nominative soldier is modified by the adjectives an and old.)
♦ Baldwin is the man standing under the tree. (The predicate nominative man is modified by the adjective the and the participle standing).
♦ This man is Gretchen’s brother. (The predicate nominative brother is modified by the possessive noun Gretchen’s.)

Quick Tip: Predicate nominatives are part of the subject complement group. If the word after the linking verb describes the subject (instead of renaming it), it is likely a predicate adjective instead.

Adjective Clauses

Adjective clauses often modify complements.

Examples:

♦ Have you lost the watch that your cousin gave you?
♦ This is the very spot where the temple of Saturn stood.
♦ We have abundant proof that during his stay on the Continent, Bacon did not neglect literary and scientific pursuits.

Adjective Complements

Adjective complements, which describe or qualify the subject, can only be modified by adverbs, adverbial phrases, or adverbial clauses.

Examples:

♦ I am very sorry for you. (Sorry is modified by the adverb very and the adverbial phrase for you.)
♦ The road is rough where they are repairing it. (Rough is modified by the adverbial clause where they are repairing it.)
♦ The secretary appeared unwilling to resign. (Unwilling is modified by the infinitive to resign.)

These verbs are called incomplete verbs because they need an additional word or words to complete the meaning of the sentence.

Modifiers and Their Modification

You can modify modifiers—adjectives, adverbs, and so on—in a variety of ways. Here are the principal types of modifications.

Adjectives or Adjective Phrases

Adjectives and adjective phrases are often modified by adverbs or groups of words used adverbially.

Examples:

♦ An exceedingly dangerous curve lay beyond the bridge. (The adjective dangerous is modified by the adverb exceedingly.)
♦ This rather odd proposal interested us. (The adjective odd is modified by the adverb rather.)
♦ The quay is miles long. (The adjective long is modified by the adverbial objective miles.)

Possessive Nouns

Possessive nouns can also be modified by adjectives and possessives.

Examples:

♦ The poor man’s days are numbered. (The possessive noun man’s is modified by the adjective poor.)
♦ My uncle’s barn is on fire. (The possessive noun uncle’s is modified by the possessive pronoun my.)
♦ John’s brother’s name is Reginald. (The possessive noun brother’s is modified by the possessive noun John’s.)

Appositives

Appositives can also be modified by adjectives or groups of words used as adjectives.

Examples:

♦ Sam, the cunning rascal, had stolen the oars. (The appositive the cunning rascal modifies Sam.)
♦ Her mother, a woman of fashion, sadly neglected her. (The appositive a woman of fashion modifies her mother.)
♦ The other, the man at the table, laughed rudely. (The appositive the man at the table modifies the other.)

Adverbs or Adverbial Phrases

Adverbs and adverbial phrases can also be modified.

Examples:

♦ Robert spoke almost hopefully. (The adverb hopefully is modified by the adverb almost.)
♦ She answered quite at random. (The adverbial phrase at random is modified by the adverb quite.)
♦ I write to him at least once a year. (The adverbial phrase at least modifies the frequency once a year.)

Infinitives

Adjectives can be modified by infinitives, adding purpose or explanation.

Example:

♦ Unable to move, I suffered torments of anxiety.
♦ The sailors, eager to reach the island, plunged into the sea.
♦ Reluctant to act, but unwilling to stand idle, she was in a pitiful state of indecision.

Adjective and Adverbial Clauses

Clauses can also modify modifiers, adding descriptive or explanatory detail.

Examples:

♦ The mechanic, angry because she had been rebuked, slammed the door as she went out. (The adverbial clause because she had been rebuked modifies the adjective angry.)
♦ The hunter, confident that the deer had not heard him, took deliberate aim. (The adverbial clause that the deer had not heard him modifies the adjective confident.)
♦ The fugitive, in a panic lest he should be overtaken, made frantic efforts to scale the cliff. (The adverbial clause lest he should be overtaken modifies the adjective phrase in a panic.)

Related Reading: How to Use Conditional Sentences

Practice Exercises

Identify the modifiers in these sentences.

1. The artist painted a beautiful mural on the wall.
2. The cake tasted extremely sweet after the frosting was added.
3. The explorer discovered a hidden cave in the dense forest.
4. The committee elected Sarah the new president of the club.
5. The flowers smell incredibly fragrant in the spring air.
6. My uncle named his cat Felix, the curious tabby.
7. The city looked stunning under the golden sunset.
8. The student seemed very eager to learn more about the topic.
9. The ancient artifact was priceless beyond estimation.
10. The teacher assigned the students a challenging project for the term.

Related Reading: Understanding Sentences, Phrases, and Clauses

Key Takeaways

1. Use Descriptive Adjectives Effectively: When modifying complements, choose adjectives that add precise or vivid details.
2. Employ Appositives for Clarity: Appositives provide additional information and can help avoid overloading sentences with modifiers.
3. Balance Adverbs in Modifier Use: Avoid overloading sentences with multiple adverbs; use them selectively to enhance meaning.
4. Incorporate Adjective Phrases: Adjective phrases can add depth to a noun without overwhelming the sentence.
5. Include Possessive Modifiers: Possessive nouns or pronouns can make descriptions more personal and specific.

6. Use Infinitives to Add Purpose: An infinitive can clarify intent or purpose when modifying complements.
7. Simplify with Participles: Participial phrases can replace longer adjective clauses for brevity.
8. Combine Modifiers for Precision: Use combinations of adjectives and adjective phrases for nuanced descriptions.
9. Avoid Redundancy: Ensure modifiers are not repeating information unnecessarily.
10. Use Precise Adverbial Modifiers: Adverbial modifiers should be specific and purposeful to enhance the verb or adjective they modify.

Last Words on Mastering Modifiers

Modifiers and complements work together to make sentences richer and more detailed. By understanding how to use them, you can bring your writing to life. So next time you write, think about how you can spice up your sentences with modifiers. Happy writing!

Happy writing!

Linda

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