Modifiers in Arranging A Good sentence

By: TOEFL consultant

 

Classifications of the modifier can take either subject positions or verb phrase positions.

Time modifier:

1.      Now

2.      Then

For example:

[Now] she * has * [VP been waiting the doctor for three hours] *.

Aspectual modifier:

1.      Already

2.      Still

3.      Yet

4.      Any more

For example:

[Still / Already] I * have * [VP been studying English] *.

She has not come [Yet / anymore].

Frequency modifier:

1.      Often

2.      Sometimes

3.      Always

4.      Never

Epistemic modifier:

1.      Probably

2.      Allegedly

3.      Undoubtedly

4.      Possibly

For example:

[Probably] Marry * has * been writing a letter to John.

Attitudinal modifier:

1.      Unfortunately

2.      Regrettably

3.      Luckily

For example:

[Unfortunately / regrettably / luckily], some people pay the agreement.

Universal modifier:

1.      Each

2.      Both

3.      All

For example:

The students have [each / both / all] worked the sign.

Focusing modifier:

1.      Also

2.      Too

3.      Even

4.      Only

For example:

Marry [even / only / also] speaks Japanese.

Marry speaks Japanese, [too].

Note:

1.      The students will [never / probably / all] write the assignment.

2.      The floor has [never / probably / all] been cleaned.

The words [never / probably / all] never take place in verb phrases position.

The asterisk mark [*] shows the word may occupy the position.

References:

Baker, C., L. 1989. English Syntax. London: The MIT Press.

Manser, Martin H. 1995. Oxford Learner’s Pocket Dictionary: New Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.