Modifier

Question

Hey there.I'm an English learner,and I must say I really love this website.It's so helpful for me to learn English,and I am also positive that many people visiting this website would say the same way as I do.

And I have a problem that keep confusing me to ask you guys (again). Here is the thing,I always misuse this kind of modifier(I have no idea how to call it but maybe compound adjective,Iguess).

For example,

Modern saw blades are coated with a special ................. plastic.

what should it be? between...a) reduction of friction

b) reduced-friction

c) friction-reducing

Actually, Not only do the answer for this question that I want,but I do want to know reasons of using this kind of modifier ,so I would appreciate if you guys would write me complete reasons or recommend me websites/sources that I can figure it out myself.

Thanks so much in advanced.

Mr Patrick · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Here are a couple lof links to get you started. These articles are not dedicated specifically to your problem, but they explain adjectives and compound words very well.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/adjectives.htm

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/compounds.htm

Here's the part where Charles Darling explains the difference between -ing and -ed participles:

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/adjectives.htm#Participles

My understanding of grammar is much more patchy, but according to this source I would comment on your example as follows:

a) Sounds strange, I would not use it.

b) Much better. However, it sounds like reduced-fat milk, implying that the plastic on the blade previously had more friction and that there are other alternatives plastics which don't have this friction removed from them.

c) My favourite. The plastic on this blade actively and purposefully reduces friction.

Regards, Patrick

Final comment to all others: Could you help out with the following analysis?

with a special friction-reducing plastic is a prepositional phrase.

a special friction-reducing plastic is the object of the prepositional phrase, and is also a noun phrase.

plastic is the head noun.

a special friction-reducingis an adjective phrase??? Here, my patchy grammar slowly sinks to the bottom of the ocean...

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you very much Mr.Patrick .

CalifJim · Answer

This is a common structure.

friction reducing plastic - plastic which reduces friction
a record breaking feat - a feat which breaks a record
an ear deafening sound - a sound which deafens the ear(s)
a death defying dive - a dive which defies death
a self cleaning oven - an oven which cleans itself
back wrenching work - work which wrenches the back
a card carrying Communist - a Communist who carries a card (of membership in the Communist party)
the English speaking world - the world of those people who speak English
*** fearing people - people who fear ***
job finding skills - skills for finding a job

CJ

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