TeachingEnglish
modifiers
Submitted by maria duarte on 12 February, 2012 - 17:08
Hello,
I'd like to know if there is any difference in meaning between the following:
behavior demands and behavioral demands
Does the use of a noun as modifier change the meaning of the phrase?
Thank you.
Maria Duarte
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I think that there is no difference
The following sentences should illustrate the difference.
1. Bad behaviour demands some form of discipline. (Behaviour in this case is a noun.)
2. The behavioural demands of the child were excessive. (Behavioural in this case is an adverb.)
I hope this helps.
Rubik
The term modifiers is used in two ways in English Grammar;
1.to refer to whatever qualifies the head of a noun phrase,either as premodifier or post modifier;e.g.
those very fine old Greek vases from the site of an ancien temple
(premodifiers) (head) (premodifiers)
2.to refer to words or phrases that soften the impact of others,such as rather,somewhat,a bit;some grammarians call them downtoners.,some call them hedge words: practically.kind of,just
compare intensifiers, words or phrases which reinforce or emphaize the force of others.
definitive adjectives are often nouns conscripted for adjectival service,: iron bar, water bottle
(source: the Cambridge Guide to English Usage)
behavior demands = behavior as subject and demands as verb so it is a clause
behaviral demands = noun phrase only
The following sentences should illustrate the difference.
1. Bad behaviour demands some form of discipline. (Behaviour in this case is a noun.)
2. The behavioural demands of the child were excessive. (Behavioural in this case is an adverb.)
I hope this helps.
Rubik
Agree your points. :D
To rubik101, umangnovice, and DianeGarrett,
Nouns can serve functions other than subject, and in this case Maria Duarte is asking about the role of 'behaviour' as a modifier, not as a subject.
To Maria,
I agree with pape boubel wagne, and expect there is no difference in meaning. It might help for us to see the context(s), though. I can imagine that there might be a technical difference in a specific academic field (eg. behavioural psychologists might distinguish between the two terms, perhaps).
I'd suggest trying one or more of the following:
:)
Hello guys,
I have the same opinion with you. Must appreciated.
Hello,
I'm preparing for GMAT and unable to understand the concept of misplaced modifers. I saw this question from a website. Please review it and explain me the concept.
Finally thinking clearly, the book was able to be understood by Rebecca.
Why is this senetence wrong?
Thank you in advance.