Grammatical modifier
In grammar, a
modifier is an optional element in phrase structure or clause structure. A modifier is so called because it is said to
modify another element in the structure, on which it is dependent. Typically the modifier can be removed without affecting the grammar of the sentence. For example, in the English sentence
This is a red ball, the adjective
red is a modifier, modifying the noun
ball. Removal of the modifier would leave
This is a ball, which is grammatically correct and equivalent in structure to the original sentence. Other terms used with a similar meaning are
qualifier,
attribute, and adjunct. These concepts are often distinguished from
complements and
arguments, which may also be considered dependent on another element, but are considered an indispensable part of the structure. For example, in
His face became red, the word
red might be called a complement or argument of
became, rather than a modifier or adjunct, since it cannot be omitted from the sentence.