Complex noun phrases
Complex noun phrases typically consist of a sequence of elements: a determiner, any premodifiers, the head noun, and then any postmodification or complementation elements (See Table, adapted from p. 574 and modified).
Determiner | Premodifiers | Head Noun | Postmodifiers |
---|---|---|---|
a | sprawling urban | landscape | which is dotted with parks |
an | ancient oak | tree | that has witnessed centuries |
the | last remaining | specimen | of a rare species |
some | innovative teaching | methods | designed for online learning |
several | handcrafted | artifacts | from local artisans |
every | major | breakthrough | in medical research |
This section focuses on postmodifiers.
Postmodifiers
Postmodifiers come in various forms, primarily:
In this discussion of finite clauses serving as postmodifiers, the focus will be on relative clauses. The remaining postmodifier types will be addressed in subsequent sections.