The sentence ‘Recent rises in the price of land have meant that many people can no longer afford to buy houses of their own’ includes the phrase ‘no longer’ placed after the modal verb ‘can’. This placement of ‘no longer’ is a grammatical choice that can be explained by the function of ‘no longer’ as an adverb that modifies the verb phrase.
1. Understanding the Structure of the Sentence
In this sentence, ‘can’ is a modal verb that expresses ability or possibility. The adverb ‘no longer’ is used to indicate a change in situation, showing that something that was possible before is no longer possible now. The general structure is: subject + can + no longer + verb.
When an adverb like ‘no longer’ is used, it typically follows the modal verb, because it modifies the entire verb phrase, which includes the modal verb and the main verb.
2. The Role of ‘No Longer’ as an Adverb
‘No longer’ is a negative adverb used to express a cessation of something that was once true or possible. It is often placed after the modal verb to maintain a natural flow and rhythm in the sentence. The adverb ‘no longer’ can be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence, but when used with a modal verb, it is more common to place it after the modal.
In the sentence provided, ‘no longer’ emphasizes that the ability to afford a house has changed due to the rising prices, and this emphasis is supported by its position directly after ‘can’.
3. Can Adverbs Be Placed After Modal Verbs?
Yes, adverbs can be placed after modal verbs in many cases, especially when they modify the verb phrase as a whole. Common adverbs like ‘no longer’, ‘never’, ‘always’, and ‘often’ are typically placed after the modal verb, as this maintains clarity and fluidity in English sentence structure.
For example, you might hear sentences like: ‘She can never be late to class’ or ‘They can always rely on each other’. In these cases, the adverb follows the modal verb to modify the action.
4. Why Is This Sentence Structured This Way?
The structure ‘can no longer’ in this sentence serves to highlight a significant change in the ability of people to afford homes. Using ‘no longer’ after ‘can’ makes the sentence grammatically correct and natural in English, as it adheres to the common pattern of placing adverbs of negation after the modal verb.
Conclusion
The placement of ‘no longer’ after ‘can’ in the sentence ‘Recent rises in the price of land have meant that many people can no longer afford to buy houses of their own’ follows standard English syntax. This usage emphasizes the shift in people’s ability to afford housing, making it a natural and grammatically correct construction. Understanding where to place adverbs like ‘no longer’ after modal verbs helps ensure clarity and precision in communication.
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