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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