Question about adjective clauses?

Question

in this sentence:

"Hamburger has no connection to ham. It got its name from the German town of Hamburg, which was famous for its ground steak."

the adjective clause is "which was famous for its ground steak" right?

and it modifies "town" right?

That's how i answered the sentence in our seatwork and i was marked wrong. I need confirmation that I'm really mistaken so i wouldn't have to have it rechecked tomorrow because I'm afraid to correct my teacher.

It was marked in my paper that Hamburg was the one being modified and not town. but i disagree. hence, this question, with so much details.

Answer 1

I think your teacher is kind of right. The adjectival clause adds more information into the entire noun clause "the German town of Hamburg". Your teacher is more accurate in saying that "Hamburg" is modified. However I do not like the word "modified". I think in this case it's more about "adding more information or describing".

Another rule of thumb is that adjectival clause often modifies the noun right in front of it.

I think you should be given the mark because both words "town" and Hamburg point to the same thing. Your teacher is probably too strict or did not  intuitively see this fine line.

Answer 2

Yes. The adjectival clause modifies the whole noun clause 'the German town of Hamburg', precisely because of the presence of the comma.

Answer 3

That is a tricky one.....I would think your answer was acceptable..... and the clause you describe modifies "Hamburg" or "the German town of Hamburg" or the "town".

I don't think your teacher would think you were correcting her if you queried it. She may even realise that your answer is valid.....or at least she would have to explain why it would be incorrect.

Answer 4

WELL IDK BUT I DIDN'T SEE ANY SANTA CLAUSE IN THAT SENTENCE SO..............I CANT HELP YOU