The keyword phrase is a compound noun, where the principal part of speech and the main point is the noun "attack." The words "Patriots Day" and "terrorist" function as adjectival modifiers that specify and describe this core noun. "Patriots Day" is a proper noun acting as an adjective to denote the specific timing and context, while "terrorist" is an attributive noun that classifies the nature of the event.
In this grammatical structure, "attack" serves as the head noun, which is the central element being discussed. The preceding words, "Patriots Day" and "terrorist," are pre-modifiers or noun adjuncts. "Patriots Day" provides the temporal and cultural context, linking the event to the specific holiday and its associated public gathering. The modifier "terrorist" further refines the classification of the attack by its methodology and motive, distinguishing it from other forms of violence.
Understanding that "attack" is the grammatical subject is crucial for analysis and content creation. It establishes the event itself as the primary topic, while the modifiers provide the essential context for unique identification. This structure allows the phrase to function as a precise search term, encapsulating the what (attack), when (Patriots Day), and type (terrorist) in a single, coherent unit for effective information categorization and retrieval.