A modification structure.

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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pdh0224
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A modification structure.

Post by pdh0224 »

Dear teacher,

Using this digital image of Washington at 53, the researchers first will use computer software to "age" him to what he looked like as a 57-year-old. Similar techniques are now used to portray the current appearance of children who have been missing for years.

Q : I think "as a 57-year-old" modifies "what". Right?
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Alan
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Post by Alan »

Not really: the as-phrase is an adverbial modifying 'looked'.
pdh0224
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Post by pdh0224 »

But, I think if the as-phrase is an adverbial modifying 'looked', "like" is unnecessary ,isn't it?
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Alan
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Post by Alan »

The adverbial 'like what' complements 'looked', and is therefore necessary. (The as-phrase, in contrast, is merely a modifier, and therefore optional).
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