Focus

Focus Modifier

Definition

A focus modifier is a specifier or modifier that is tightly integrated with a lexical head (often an adjective, noun, or quantifier), and contributes to the meaning of that head while signaling focus.

Function

Adds semantic emphasis or restriction on the head; often associated with quantifiers and determiners.

Position

Usually directly attached to the head it modifies.

Syntactic status

It is a modifier, i.e., part of the internal structure of a phrase, not an optional adjunct.

Example (CGEL-style):

Only students passed.

Here, “only” is often analyzed as a focus modifier of “students,” specifying the subset in focus.

Even the smallest details matter.

“even” is modifying “the smallest details,” not simply acting as an optional adjunct outside the phrase.

Notes:

Focus modifiers are internal to a phrase, whereas focus adjuncts are external to the phrase or clause.

They often appear in positions like specifier of NP or DP, unlike focus adjuncts, which are more flexible in placement.

Focus Adjunct

Definition

A focus adjunct is an optional adjunct that signals that a constituent (or the proposition as a whole) is in focus.

Function

Marks information-structural prominence; often signals contrast or emphasis.

Position

Usually precedes or follows the constituent it modifies; can sometimes have clausal scope.

Syntactic status

It is an adjunct, i.e., a structurally optional constituent; it does not select or determine its host.

Example (CGEL-style):

> Even John passed the exam.

→ “even” is a focus adjunct; it signals that John is the surprising or emphasized item.

> Only she saw the solution.

→ “only” is functioning as a focus adjunct.

Focus: adjunct vs. modifier

Feature	Focus Modifier	Focus Adjunct
Scope	Typically the head (word or phrase)	Constituent or clause-wide
Syntactic status	Modifier/specifier within phrase	Optional adjunct
Placement	Immediately adjacent to head	Precedes or follows constituent
Dependency on host	Semantically and syntactically tied	Not required by head
Example	Only students passed.	Even John passed.

Notes

Focus adjuncts are a subclass of sentence - or constituent-level adjuncts that convey information-structural focus.

They are not strictly necessary to complete the syntactic structure.