Here is the sentence from The Britannica Dictionary: They stood under the tree and looked at the branches above.
The word 'above' in the sentence is an adverb according to the dictionary, and it seems to modify the noun 'branches'. So I'm confused with the rule I know, which is adverb doesn't modify noun. My question is: Does 'above' really modify 'branches'? Can adverbs modify nouns? Thank you!
They stood under the tree and looked at the branches above.
Modern grammar classifies "above" not as an adverb but as a preposition: link and link
It is possible, though rare, for an adverb to post-modify a noun:
Industrial action has resulted in the withdrawal indefinitely of the ferry service.
A shortage of timber internationally led to a steep rise in prices.
The construction is subject to severe constraints. For example, adverbial modifiers of nouns are restricted to post-head position.