The noun phrase explanation is fine by me--and I think easier  for students 
to "see" and understand than almost any other  explanation.
 
 
In a message dated 10/5/2010 5:48:23 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

Hello

How do you usually analyze a structure like this: Our  old beach house, 
which was built forty years ago, has now vanished.  What  do you do with 'forty 
years ago'?  I learned it as a noun phrase  functioning as an adverb, but 
I'm not sure that's the best description,  especially when working with 
students.

Thanks!

Janet

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