CAT Phrase Modifiers preparation will help you in getting the better clarity while solving the reading comprehension or verbal ability questions. Candidates are advised not to expect any direct questions from Phrase Modifier but the questions from this topic might be asked in combination with other topics. Check CAT VARC Syllabus 2021
In CAT VARC Question Paper, there will be a total of 26 questions in the exam. Only objective types of questions will be framed from this topic. As per the analysis, the difficulty level of VARC is considered as moderately difficult. Read the article to know more about the basic concepts with the help of examples.
What are Phrase Modifiers?
In the English Language, phrase modifiers are used as a word or phrase or clause. And with the help of those words/phrases/clauses, other words are modified in a sentence. A modifier can be defined as an adjective or adverb.
- In a sentence, an adjective modifies the nouns whereas adverbs modifies the verb, adjective and other adverbs.
- As an example, a phrase that is "very big house" where both the word "very" and "big" are modifiers.
Type of Phrase Modifiers
There are two types of Phrase Modifiers. Both are explained below.
Pre-modifiers
- Pre-modifiers are defined as a word that helps to modify nouns or verbs in the sentence. Most of the pre-modifiers are adjectives.
- Premodifiers are always placed before a noun such as articles, determiners, demonstratives, proper adjectives, descriptive adjectives, compound adjectives, participles, etc.
- On the other hand, conjunctions, sentences and other adverbs are used as modifiers before verbs, adjectives and other adverbs.
For Examples of Pre-modifiers:
Generally, (adverb) the(article) red(descriptive adjective) carrot is used for various recipes.
Post-modifiers
- Post modifiers are defined as the word which follows the verb in a sentence.
- In most of the sentence, adverbs of manner, adverbs of time and adverbs of place or direction are used after the modifier verbs.
- Pre-modifiers that are responsible to modify the nouns comprises appositives, prepositional phrases (adjectives/adverbs), infinitives (adverbs/adjectives), dependent clause, etc.
For Examples:
Marie, a pop singer,(positive) has been selected for the team(adverb).
CAT Phrase Modifiers Preparation Tips
Without proper preparation tips, it is hard to get a high score in the exam. Some tips to prepare for CAT Phrase Modifiers are given below.
- Read a lot
Make regular reading a habit to improve your skills. Follow different types of books and try to complete them as soon as possible. Read something daily - shopping articles, short stories, blog content and even new articles.Read a variety of Books and Revise Must read topic wise books. Read daily and revise those phrases.
- Practise makes a Man Perfect
Practice and solve questions from the sample paper. Also practice previous year's questions. For VARC daily practice is not needed but one does need to practise regularly, the best way to go around is to practise VARC at least 2 times a week.Also, give mock tests either through offline or online mode. This will help to develop your skills.
Related Links:
Examples of Phrase Modifiers
Candidates planning to appear for CAT 2021 can also go through the examples provided below:
| Type of Modifier | Example of Modifier | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Articles | a, an, the | This is a chair. |
| Pronoun | I, me, he, she, herself, you, it, etc | She did the job. |
| Possessive Nouns | 's' at the end of a noun | This is the cat's toy |
| Possessive Pronouns | I, we, you, he, she, it, they | The cat is yours. |
| Adjectives | Adjectives are words that are used to describe or modify nouns or pronouns | For example: quick, happy etc. |
| Prepositional Phrases | Prepositional phrases act as either adjective phrases or adverb phrases to modify other words in a sentence. | For example: about, after, at, before etc. |
| Relative Pronoun Clause | Generally, provides more information | His training sessions were very hard. Yesterday he fainted during the session. |
| Verb-ing Modifiers | Means “verbs” by adding “ing” to them. | I read an interesting book. |
CAT Solved Sample Questions on Phrase Modifiers
In the below section, some solved questions regarding CAT Phrase Modifiers are listed.
Question: Hearing the good news, I was happy.
Solution: The modifier here is - Hearing the good news
Question: I'm going to the Cafe for a non-vegetarian meal.
Solution: The modifier here is - non-vegetarian
Question: I always carefully proofread the mails before sending.
Solution: The modifier here is - carefully
Question: He studied in the library.
Solution: The modifier here is - in the library
Comments