Modifiers

What Are Modifiers? (with Examples)

A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause which functions as an adjective or an adverb to describe a word or make its meaning more specific.

Examples of Modifiers

Modifiers can play the roles of adjectives or adverbs.

Modifiers As Adjectives

When a modifier is an adjective, it modifies a noun or a pronoun. 

• Lee caught a small mackerel.
(Here, the adjective small modifies the noun mackerel.)
• Lee caught a small mackerel.
(Don't forget that articles (i.e., the, an, and a) are adjectives too. Here, a modifies the noun mackerel as does small.)
• Lee caught another one.
(Here, the adjective another modifies the pronoun one.)