Published on
February 3, 2025
by
Nicole Routh, M.Ed
Revised on
November 27, 2025
A modifier is an adjective, adverb, or group of words that describes or limits the meaning of one or more other words in a sentence. The word “modify” means “to change.” When used correctly, modifiers make writing more precise.
For example, by itself, the noun “shirt” isn’t very precise. However, when you add one or more modifiers, like in the examples below, “shirt” can have a variety of slightly different meanings. As the examples illustrate, a word or group of words can have more than one modifier in the same sentence.
Modifiers in sentences examplesErika made Cathy a blue and purple tie-dyed shirt.
The green button-down shirt in the laundry basket needs to be ironed.
My favorite flannel shirt, which belonged to my grandfather, has a hole in the front pocket.
Published on
January 29, 2025
by
Nicole Routh, M.Ed
Revised on
November 27, 2025
Ordinal numbers—such as “second” and “95th”—provide helpful details about sequences and rankings. You can write ordinal numbers as words or numerals combined with “-st,” “-nd,” “-rd,” or “-th” (e.g., “17th”). Some style guidelines recommend words for “first” through “ninth” and numerals for “10th” and higher.
In a sentence, an ordinal number can play these roles:
A determiner that shows the position of a noun in a numbered sequence (“the fifth season of Stranger Things” or “the 90th percentile”)
An adverb that modifies a verb to show the order of events (e.g., “eat first and then watch TV”)
An adverb that modifies an adjective to show a noun’s ranking (e.g., “the second tallest building”)
When an ordinal number is a determiner, it goes after another determiner (e.g., the definite article “the” or the possessive adjective “your”).
Ordinal numbers examplesWe spent the thirdday of vacation snorkeling in Akumal.
Firstwrite your outline, and then start the first draft.
The thirdlongest river in the world is the Yangtze River.
Published on
January 27, 2025
by
Nicole Routh, M.Ed
Revised on
November 27, 2025
Qualifiers are a type of adverb that amplifies or weakens the meaning of other words in a sentence (e.g., “barely noticeable”). A qualifier provides information about the intensity, frequency, or likelihood of an action or description. Some of the most common qualifiers include “very,” “really,” and “almost.”
In sentences, qualifiers usually go right before the adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs that they modify.
Qualifiers in sentences examplesThe temperature is slightlycolder today than yesterday.
I mostlyrelaxed all weekend except for mowing the lawn on Sunday.
Published on
January 27, 2025
by
Nicole Routh, M.Ed
Revised on
November 27, 2025
A cardinal number is a whole number (e.g., “three”) rather than a fraction (e.g., “one third”) or an ordinal number (e.g., “third”). In writing, cardinal numbers are determiners that show the quantities of nouns (e.g., “three cups of coffee”).
Cardinal numbers can go right before the nouns they modify or before other modifiers (e.g., adverbs and adjectives). When a noun has multiple determiners—such as the definite article “the” or the possessive adjective “my”—they always go before a cardinal number.
Depending on the style guidelines you’re using, you can write cardinal numbers as words (e.g., “seven”) or numerals (e.g., “11”). Some style guides recommend words for the cardinal numbers one through nine and numerals for 10 and greater.
Cardinal number examplesThe university awarded full scholarships to 15students.
Mythreeblackcats all have different personalities.
The manager hired fourhighlyqualified software engineers.
Published on
January 18, 2025
by
Nicole Routh, M.Ed
Revised on
November 27, 2025
The definite article “the” is a determiner that goes before a specific rather than a general version of a noun. The noun can be singular (e.g., “the house”) or plural (e.g., “the cars”). Definite articles can also modify countable nouns (e.g., “the song”) or uncountable nouns (e.g., “the music”).
The rules about when to use definite articles depend on two factors.
Singular, countable nouns always need a determiner:
The definite article “the” or another determiner (e.g., “Paul’s” or “that”) for a specific version (e.g., “I enjoyed the first song on Ringo’s new album”)
An indefinite article—“a” or “an”—for a general version (e.g., “I hope he releases a new album again soon”)
For plural nouns and uncountable nouns (nouns without a plural form), you have these options:
The definite article “the” or another determiner for specific versions (e.g., “The salt I bought today is from Portugal”)
Zero determiner for general versions (e.g., “I’m craving salt” or “Pretzels make me thirsty”)
In a sentence, “the” is located before the noun it modifies (if there are no other modifiers), the noun’s first adjective, or an adverb that modifies the noun’s first adjective.
Definite article examplesJames is the title of Percival Everett’s latest novel.
Louise served thehot artichoke dip on New Year’s Eve.
Theextremelyrare spider that the scientists discovered is harmless.
To use “the” correctly, follow the definite article guidelines below, or use QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker.
Published on
January 16, 2025
by
Nicole Routh, M.Ed
Revised on
November 27, 2025
An indefinite article is a type of determiner that goes before a singular, countable noun. The two indefinite articles in English are “a” and “an.” Indefinite articles are for general or unspecified versions of nouns, and the definite article (or another determiner) is for specific versions (e.g., “a book” rather than “the book that I read last week”).
You can use an indefinite article before one of these words:
The noun it modifies (if there are no other modifiers)
The adverb that modifies the noun’s first adjective
When a noun has multiple modifiers, the article or other determiner is always the first modifier.
The choice between “a” or “an” depends on the pronunciation of the next word. Use “a” when the next word begins with a vowel sound and “an” when the next word begins with a consonant sound.
Indefinite article examplesThe neighbor needs to borrow anegg for arecipe.
Jeff wrote abeautifulsong about amountain.
Fatima had anespeciallyproductivemorning at work today.
Published on
January 15, 2025
by
Nicole Routh, M.Ed
Revised on
October 29, 2025
AMA in-text citations are superscript numbers in the main text that direct readers to numbered entries on an AMA reference page.
Each AMA reference entry begins with a number and includes the author, title, and other publication details. Number these entries in the order that you initially cite each source in the main text.
Each source has only one entry, so if you cite the same scholarly source in multiple places, use the same number for all of that source’s in-text citations.
AMA in-text citation and reference entry example
AMA in-text citation
AMA reference entry
Another recent study explored the common barriers to asthma treatment.5
5. Papi A, Blasi F, Canonica GW, et al. Treatment strategies for asthma: reshaping the concept of asthma management. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. 2020;16:1-11. doi:10.1186/s13223-020-00472-8
To cite sources correctly in AMA style, follow the examples and guidelines below, or use QuillBot’s free Citation Generator.
Published on
January 13, 2025
by
Nicole Routh, M.Ed
Revised on
October 29, 2025
Endnotes are numbered citations or notes on a separate page at the end of a piece of academic writing. Each endnote begins with a number that corresponds to a superscript number in the main text (often referred to as a callout number).
Each citation style has specific guidelines about when and how to use endnotes. For example, APA and MLA endnotes are for sharing supplemental information, but in Chicago style writing, endnotes are for citations as well as supplemental details.
Chicago style endnotes example
TipWith the QuillBot Citation Generator, you can instantly create accurate Chicago style endnote citations. QuillBot’s Grammar Checker can also help you ensure that APA and MLA endnotes are error free.
Published on
January 9, 2025
by
Nicole Routh, M.Ed
Revised on
October 29, 2025
Footnotes are numbered citations or notes at the bottom of a page in a piece of academic writing. Each footnote begins with a number that corresponds to a superscript number in the main text.
The citation style you’re using determines when and how to use footnotes. For example, APA footnotes and MLA footnotes are for sharing extra information, but in Chicago style, footnotes are for citing sources.
Chicago style footnotes example
NoteFootnotes are similar to endnotes, and they usually serve the same purpose (e.g., they’re both options for Chicago style citations). Whereas footnotes go in the footer of each page that has the superscript callout, endnotes go on a separate page at the end of the document.TipWith the QuillBot Citation Generator, you can instantly create accurate Chicago citations. QuillBot’s Grammar Checker can also help you ensure that APA and MLA footnotes are error free.
Each APA footnote begins with a superscript number that corresponds to a superscript callout number in the main text—like this.¹ You can place each footnote in the footer of the page with the callout number or on a separate footnotes page after the APA reference page.
APA footnote example
¹ Other general practitioner screening tools for Alzheimer’s include the Mini-Mental State Examination (Folstein et al., 1975) and the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (Brodaty et al., 2002).
