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The last four grammar questions of the day [I think]-

idenify the word that the phrase in CAPS modifies:

1.A scientist WHO FINDS ONE NEW SPECIES is very happy
Ans- scientist

2.WHEN SOMEONE FINDS SEVERAL NEW SPECIES AT ONCE, that is rare indeed
Ans- rare??

3.Only a few plants, WHICH MEET STRICT REQUIREMENTS, will go under an electron microscope.
Ans- I'm not sure about this one:: plants?

4.New Jersey then was as warm AS TROPICAL BRAZIL IS TODAY.
Ans- not sure about this one either:: New Jersey?

Thanks!
-MC

The first three are correct. :-) The clause in number 4 is an adverb clause modifying the adjective, "warm."

Thanks so much! :D

-MC

You're very welcome, MC.

I am not so sure about #2. I would choose "that"

Hmmm, you're right. That could be it!

-MC

I think you're right, Drwls. Although "when" doesn't usually introduce adjective clauses, this may be an exception.

To identify the word that the phrase in caps modifies, you need to determine the function of the phrase in the sentence.

1. "A scientist WHO FINDS ONE NEW SPECIES is very happy." The phrase "who finds one new species" describes the scientist. It tells us what kind of scientist is being referred to. Therefore, the word that the phrase in caps modifies is "scientist."

2. "WHEN SOMEONE FINDS SEVERAL NEW SPECIES AT ONCE, that is rare indeed." The phrase "when someone finds several new species at once" is an adverbial clause that modifies the entire sentence. It provides additional information about the rarity of finding several new species at once. Therefore, it doesn't directly modify a single word in the sentence.

3. "Only a few plants, WHICH MEET STRICT REQUIREMENTS, will go under an electron microscope." The phrase "which meet strict requirements" describes the plants. It specifies the type of plants that will go under an electron microscope. Therefore, the word that the phrase in caps modifies is "plants."

4. "New Jersey then was as warm AS TROPICAL BRAZIL IS TODAY." The phrase "as tropical Brazil is today" compares the temperature of New Jersey in the past to the temperature of tropical Brazil in the present. The word that the phrase in caps modifies is "warm."