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.
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.