modifierhead
Modifierhead is a term found in a limited range of linguistic discussions that refers to the way modifiers attach to the central element of a noun phrase (NP). In many analyses, the NP has a head noun that determines core reference, with modifiers such as adjectives, determiners, and relative clauses providing attributes or restrictors. The label modifierhead is used in some theoretical accounts to highlight the role and position of these modifiers in relation to the head, and to contrast with frameworks that treat the noun head as the sole pivotal element. Because the term is not standardized across grammars, its precise definition can vary by author or framework.
In typological and syntactic discussions, modifierhead concepts are often invoked to describe how modifiers are organized
An example is the noun phrase the red balloon. In a modifierhead perspective, the head balloon anchors
See also: noun phrase, head, modifier, adjective phrase, syntactic theory.