Predeterminer

A predeterminer is a word or group of words that appears before a determiner in a noun phrase, modifying the entire noun phrase rather than just the determiner itself. Predeterminers typically quantify or specify the extent or proportion of the noun being discussed, such as all, both, half, double, or such. They refine the meaning by adding an additional layer of qualification to the reference before the head noun and its modifiers are introduced. They are an essential component of complex noun phrases, providing a higher degree of specificity.

Predeterminer meaning with examples

• **All** the cats in the shelter are adorable. 'All' modifies 'the cats' collectively, quantifying the entire set. They must be rehomed, meaning every cat in the group is specified and considered. This is compared to some, which only specifies a portion. Therefore all, modifies a predeterminer for the cats.
• They wanted **both** those delicious cakes, not just one. 'Both' predetermines the referent 'those cakes', indicating that they wanted each of the cakes available, quantifying their request. In contrast, 'each' might only refer to one cake; but with both, the request is much clearer with the added predeterminer.
• She ate **half** his sandwich, leaving him hungry. 'Half' modifies 'his sandwich', specifying the proportion of the sandwich eaten. The impact of eating half the sandwich left him in a worse off state. Therefore half helps the predeterminer to emphasize that the eating took place.
• The company produced **double** that number of units this year, due to increasing demands. 'Double' predetermines 'that number', quantifying the increase. As an example of the usefulness of predeterminers is by having them emphasize and quantify the increase the company had experienced in production.
• I haven't seen **such** a beautiful sunset in my life. 'Such' modifies the noun phrase 'a beautiful sunset' in order to add emphasis. The word is in the middle of the noun, however it still works as a predeterminer and specifies it to a beautiful extent that it is the most beautiful.
• **What** a wonderful day!
• I don't think this is **quite** my car. (quite modifies my, making this a more complex phrase where the entire phrase can be called a determiner)