The keyword phrase functions collectively as a compound adjective. It is a string of nouns and a numeral ("911," "year," "new york") that operate as a single grammatical unit to modify a subsequent, often unstated, noun. This adjectival function is its primary role within a larger context.
This grammatical construction is an example of an attributive noun string, where multiple nouns are stacked to create a highly specific descriptor. Each component narrows the focus: "911" identifies the specific historical event, "year" establishes the temporal frame of reference, and "New York" specifies the geographic location. This syntax prioritizes information density over conventional sentence structure, combining event, time, and place into one condensed modifier.
Recognizing this phrase as an adjectival modifier is crucial for an article's development because it dictates that the phrase itself is not the main subject. Instead, it sets the context for the actual subject. The article's focus must therefore be on a specific noun that this phrase describes, such as a "memorial," "analysis," "retrospective," or "policy." This determination compels the writer to explicitly define the article's core topic, which is then framed by the parameters of the keyword.
