Scribd
Upload
55 views2 pages

Sentence Coherence: Placement of Modifier in A Sentence: Marimuthu, Joshua C

The document discusses the importance of proper modifier placement in sentences. It provides examples of different types of modifier errors that can occur, including dangling modifiers, misplaced modifiers, squinting modifiers, and awkward separations. Correct placement of modifiers is important to ensure the intended meaning is conveyed in the sentence. The goal is for modifiers to be as close as possible to the words they are intended to modify.

Uploaded by

Ken liam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
55 views2 pages

Sentence Coherence: Placement of Modifier in A Sentence: Marimuthu, Joshua C

The document discusses the importance of proper modifier placement in sentences. It provides examples of different types of modifier errors that can occur, including dangling modifiers, misplaced modifiers, squinting modifiers, and awkward separations. Correct placement of modifiers is important to ensure the intended meaning is conveyed in the sentence. The goal is for modifiers to be as close as possible to the words they are intended to modify.

Uploaded by

Ken liam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Marimuthu, Joshua C.

Sentence Coherence: Placement of Modifier in a Sentence

I. Introduction
Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that modify, or alter, the meaning of other words or phrases in
a sentence. Where you insert a modifying word or phrase in a sentence can clarify or complicate your
meaning. Placement of modifiers, therefore, is very important to ensure that your sentence is saying what
you intend it to say. Your goal should be to place modifiers as close to the word or words they are modifying
as possible.

II. Dangling Modifiers


A. Participial phrases
Dangling modifiers most often relate to participial phrases that improperly modify the remainder
of the sentence. When you begin a sentence with such a phrase, you must make sure the next thing that
comes along can, in fact, be modified by that modifier.
Wrong: Changing the oil every 3,000 km, the car seemed to run better.
Correct: Changing the oil every 3,000 km, Fred found he could get much better gas mileage.

B. Descriptive words/phrases
Dangling modifiers often add description. Your goal is to make sure that they describe the correct
thing(s). Sentences that begin with a dependent word or clause are hallmarks of sentences that include
dangling modifiers.
Wrong: Thirsty, the soft drink was consumed in ten seconds.
Correct: Thirsty, Janelle drank the soft drink in ten seconds.

C. Expletives
Following a participial phrase with an expletive construction also leads to dangling modifier errors.
Expletives are words that take the place of a subject that usually appears later on in the sentence.
Expletives are not real subjects themselves, as they carry no real meaning or significance. The words it
and there are common expletives used to replace subjects in sentences.
Wrong: Changing the oil every 3,000 km, there is an easy way to keep your car running smoothly.
Correct: Changing the oil every 3,000 km, we can keep the car in excellent condition.

D. Passive verbs
A participial phrase followed by a passive verb is also apt to be a dangler because the real actor of
the sentence will be disguised.
Wrong: Changing the oil every 3,000 km, the car was kept in excellent condition.
Correct: Changing the oil every 3,000 km, we kept the car in excellent condition.

E. Infinitive phrases
An infinitive phrase can also dangle. The infinitive phrase below should probably modify the
person(s) who set up the exercise program to ensure clarity.
Wrong: To keep the young recruits interested in getting in shape, an exercise program was set up
for the summer months.
Correct: To keep the young recruits interested in getting in shape, the coaching staff set up an
exercise program for the summer months.

F. Gerunds
Wrong: After roasting for three hours, we turned the oven off.
Correct: We turned the oven off after roasting for three hours.

III. Misplaced Modifiers


Misplaced modifiers are words that modify information in a sentence in a way that is unclear or
inappropriate. Where you place these words in your sentence makes all the difference. Some such modifiers,
especially words such as only, just, nearly, and barely, have a bad habit of slipping into the wrong place in
a sentence.
A. Single word
Some frequently misplaced single words are: almost, even, exactly, hardly, just, merely, nearly,
only, scarcely, and simply.
Wrong: The vendor almost sold all of her pottery at the crafts fair.
Correct: The vendor sold almost all of her pottery at the crafts fair.

B. Phrase
Wrong: She served hamburgers to the children on paper plates.
Correct: She served hamburgers on paper plates to the children.

Wrong: The man walked toward the car carrying a briefcase.


Correct: The man carrying a briefcase walked toward the car.

C. Clause
Wrong: We returned the toy to the store that was broken.
Correct: We returned the toy that was broken to the store.

IV. Squinting Modifiers


This is an unfortunate result of an adverb’s ability to pop up almost anywhere in a sentence; structurally,
the adverb may function well, but its meaning can be obscure or ambiguous.
Confusing: Students who seek their instructors’ advice often can improve their grades.
Revised: Students who often seek their instructors’ advice can improve their grades.
Revised: Students who seek their instructors’ advice can often improve their grades.

V. Awkward Separations
Wrong: Many children have, by the time they are six, lost a tooth.
Correct: By the time they are six, many children have lost a tooth.
Many children have lost a tooth by the time they are six.

VI. Conclusion
As indicated in the examples above, the placement of the modifier can alter the meaning of the sentence.
To produce clear writing, always ensure that your modifiers are modifying the words or phrases you intend.

References:

Darling, C. (n.d.). Modifier Placement. Retrieved from


http://plato.algonquincollege.com/applications/guideToGrammar/?page_id=3380.

Benner, M. L. (n.d.). USAGE – Modifier problems. Retrieved from


https://webapps.towson.edu/ows/dangmod.htm.

You might also like