Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA) Practice Test

Which term refers to a word, phrase, or clause that limits or describes another element in a sentence?

1. Observation

2. Parts of speech

3. Overview

4. Modifier

The correct answer is: Modifier

A modifier is a term that is used in grammar to describe a word, phrase, or clause that adds detail or restriction to another element in a sentence. This can include adjectives and adverbs, which provide more information about nouns and verbs, respectively. For example, in the sentence "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog," "quick" and "lazy" are modifiers that describe the nouns "fox" and "dog." Modifiers play a crucial role in providing clarity and specificity in writing, allowing the reader to understand exactly what is being communicated. The other terms mentioned—observation, parts of speech, and overview—do not function in the same way. Observation refers to the act of watching or noting something, and parts of speech categorize words but do not modify meaning as a clause or phrase does. An overview is a brief summary and does not pertain to the grammatical function of describing or limiting other elements in sentences.