The keyword term functions grammatically as a compound noun phrase. In this construction, the entire phrase operates as a single unit to name a specific, identifiable group of people. The core element of the phrase is a noun, establishing the subject of the article as a person, place, or thing rather than an action or a description.
A detailed grammatical breakdown reveals a hierarchy of modification. The head noun, or the central subject, is "actors." This noun is specified by the preceding word, "movie," which is a noun functioning as an adjective (an attributive noun) to clarify the type of actors. The term "movie" is further modified by the proper noun "Patriots Day," which identifies the specific film. This structure creates a precise nominal group where each preceding word narrows the scope of the final noun.
Recognizing this grammatical function is a critical step because it defines the article's primary subject and intent. Since the keyword is a noun phrase centered on "actors," the article's purpose must be to identify, list, or provide information about the cast members. This focus ensures the content directly answers the implicit question "Who were the actors in the film Patriots Day?" and prevents the topic from shifting to an analysis of the film's production (a verbal focus) or the quality of the acting (an adjectival focus).
