42e Using nouns as modifiers

42eUsing nouns as modifiers

Sometimes a noun can function as an adjective by modifying another noun, as in chicken soup or money supply. If noun modifiers pile up, however, they can make your writing harder to understand.

AWKWARD The cold war–era Rosenberg espionage trial and execution continues to arouse controversy.
REVISED The Rosenbergs’ trial and execution for espionage during the cold war continues to arouse controversy.