2-3. noun phrase constituent: modifier

2-3-1. noun + to relative clause

  1. Descriptions
    • Noun + to relative clauses modify the noun phrase and provide infomation as to the direction, destination, intention, or subsequent action.
    • They are introduced by to, followed by a verb in infinitive form (e.g play, create, observe).
    • More common in conversation than in writing.
  2. Tag
    • tocls+rel is tagged on the main verb of the to relative clause.
  3. Examples
    • You're the best person to ask.
    • There's just a lot to think about. (p. 607)
    • She is probably the best player to play college basketball.
    • He showed us the way to get to our house. (p. 604)

2-3-2. noun + ing relative clause

  1. Descriptions
    • Noun + ing relative clauses modify the noun phrase and typically describe an ongoing action or activity related to the modified noun.
    • Introduced by verbs in present participle form (e.g lying, watching, waiting)
    • Most frequent in academic prose but moderately common across registers.
  2. Tag
    • ingcls+rel is tagged on the main verb of the ing relative clause.
  3. Examples
    • Elevated levels are treated with a diet consisting of low cholesterol foods.
    • The woman standing in the corner is my sister.
    • After the outer walls fell the soldiers found the nobles seeking shelter in the castle

2-3-3. noun + ed relative clause

  1. Descriptions
    • Noun + ed passive relative clauses exist to modify the noun phrase to provide additional information about the noun.
    • Introduced by a verb in past participle form (e.g donated, created, espoused).
      • Some verbs are irregular, such as see (seen), write (written), or sing (sung).
    • Most frequent in academic prose compared to other registers.
  2. Tag
    • edcls+rel is tagged on the main verb of the ed relative clause.
  3. Examples
    • This is a phrase used in the recruitment industry.
    • Abundant food and available healthcare are among the products required to support a huge and growing population. (p. 604)
    • The castle meeting between the three men produced the Three Musketeers.
    • The final thing the townspeople heard was the battalion's anthem sung as they marched over the hill.