What is a modifier?
A modifier is a word that functions to
limit the meaning of another word, phrase
or clause. Writing with clarity means
making sure that connections between
modifiers and the word(s) they are
modifying is understood.
A modifier should be placed next to the
word it describes.
Example:
Jones lifted the heavy box containing
supplies.
Notehow the placement of the modifier
creates different possible meanings:
The instructor just nodded to Elvis as she
came in.
The instructor nodded just to Elvis as she
came in.
The instructor nodded to Elvis just as she
came in.
Note how different placement of the
word only creates a difference in
meaning between these two sentences.
The shopper only looked at ties.
The shopper looked only at ties.
Misplaced Modifier is a word, phrase, or
clause that is improperly separated from the
word it describes. Sentences with misplaced
modifiers often sound awkward, confusing, or
downright illogical.
Some frequently misplaced single
words are:
almost even exactly hardly just
merely nearly only scarcely simply
Misplaced single word
The vendor almost sold all of her pottery at
the crafts fair.
misplaced modifier
Correct
The vendor sold almost all of her pottery at
the crafts fair.
Misplaced Phrase
She served hamburgers to the children
on paper plates.
misplaced modifier
Correct:
She served hamburgers on paper
plates to the children.
Example #2
The man walked toward the car
carrying a briefcase.
misplaced modifier
Correct:
The man carrying a briefcase walked
toward the car.
Misplaced Clause
We returned the toy to the store that
was broken.
misplaced modifier
Correct:
We returned the toy that was broken to the
store.
Example #2
I remembered that I had forgotten my
keys after I got home.
misplaced modifier
Correct:
I remembered after I got home that I had
forgotten my keys.
OR
After I got home, I remembered that I had
forgotten my keys.
Squinting Modifiers
A squinting modifier is a
modifier misplaced so that it
may describe two situations.
Example:
I told my son when the game was over I
would play with him.
Squinting modifier
Correct:
When the game was over, I told my son
that I would play with him.
OR
I told my son I would play with him when the
game was over.
Awkward Separations
An awkward separation
creates confusing meaning.
Example:
Many children have, by the time they are six lost a tooth.
awkwardly separated
Correct:
By the time they are six, many children have lost a
tooth.
OR
Many children have lost a tooth by the time they
are six.
Dangling Modifier Errors
A dangling modifier is
“dangling” because its
placement gives it nothing to
modify.
Dangling modifiers may appear
in a variety of forms.
Dangling Participles:
Passing the building, the broken window was
clearly visible.
The resulting meaning is that “ the broken
window” is “passing the building,” clearly
not the intended meaning.
Example #2
Once revised and corrected, I got an A.
In this sentence, the modifier once
revised and corrected is positioned next
to I, suggesting that “I” have been
“revised and corrected.”
Dangling Gerund:
After roasting for three hours, we
turned the oven off.
In this sentence, the modifier after
roasting for three hours is positioned
next to we, meaning that “we” have
been “roasting for three hours.”
Dangling Infinitive:
To walk a high wire, a pole is needed for
balance.
In this sentence, the modifier to walk a
high wire is positioned next to a pole.
As a result, the sentence means that “a
pole” can walk “a high wire.”
Dangling Elliptical Clause:
When just six years old, my grandmother
tried to teach me ballet.
In this sentence, the modifier when just
six years old is positioned next to my
grandmother, suggesting that my six
year old grandmother taught me
ballet.
How to repair dangling modifiers?
1. Create a word for the modifier to
describe. Place it next to the
modifier.
(Sometimes you will need to invent a
subject)
Dangling: Once corrected and rewritten, I got an A.
Revised: Once corrected and rewritten, my paper
got an A.
Dangling: To walk a high wire, a pole is needed for
balance.
Revised: To walk a high wire, an acrobat needs
a pole for balance.
2. Rewrite the modifier (phrase) as an
adverbial clause, thus eliminating the need
for an immediate word to modify.
Dangling: Once revised and corrected, I got
an A.
Revised: Once my paper was revised and
corrected, I got an A.
Dangling: When just six years old, my
grandmother tried to teach ballet.
Revised: When I was just six years old, my
grandmother tried to teach me ballet.
Dangling: After roasting for two hours, we
turned the oven off.
Revised: After we roasted the turkey for two
hours, we turned the oven off.
The End
Thank You!!!
