Noun Modifiers

A noun modifier, also known as an attributive noun or noun adjunct, is a noun used attributively to modify or qualify another noun, but in a different way than an adjective.

Usage

Rule 1: We can use two nouns together to show that one thing is a part of something else, whereas the first noun is called a noun modifier.

Note: We don't use the possessive case to show that one thing is a part of something else.

Rule 2: We can use noun modifiers to describe the material something is made of.

Rule 3: We often use noun modifiers with nouns ending with -er.

Rule 4: We often use nouns ending with -ing as noun modifiers.

Rule 5: We can use measurements, age, or value as noun modifiers.

Placement

Rule 6: We place noun modifiers after adjectives but before the nouns they modify in a sentence.

Modifiers: Singular or Plural?

Rule 7: Almost always, the noun that acts as the modifier is in the singular form.

Plural-Only Nouns as Modifiers

Rule 8: If we use nouns that are always used in plural forms (such as shoes, glasses, gloves, etc.) as a modifier for another noun, we have to use them in the singular form.