Can a modifier apply to an element instead of a block?

[pupeno]

For example, if you have an a list, with list items, and one of those items are active, should it be specified like this:

.list { }
.list__item { }
.list__item--active { }

How would one differentiate from a list that is active instead of a list item that is active?

[madroneropaulo]

.list__item--active is already an element modifier.

If you want a modifier for your list, just add it to the block:

.list--active__item--active.

This way you have a selector for an item--active for a list--active