Misplaced Modifiers What is a Modifier? What is a Misplaced Modifier?

Avoid Using a Misplaced Modifier A modifying word, phrase, or clause that sounds awkward because it modifies the wrong word or group of words is called a misplaced modifier.

To correct a misplaced modifier, place the phrase or clause as close as possible to the word or group of words you intend it to modify. Analyze Uncle John saw a dog gnawing a bone on his way to work. Correct On his way to work, Uncle John saw a dog gnawing a bone.

Misplaced Modifiers Analyze They were delighted to see a field of daffodils climbing up the hill. Correct Climbing up the hill, they were delighted to see a field of daffodils.

Misplaced Modifiers Analyze The prime minister said in the press interview her opponent spoke honestly. Correct In the press interview, the prime minister said her opponent spoke honestly.

Misplaced Modifiers Analyze The mayor said when the city council met he would discuss the proposed budget. Correct When the city council met, the mayor said he would discuss the proposed budget.

Misplaced Modifiers Analyze He only sliced one apple. Correct He sliced only one apple.

Misplaced Modifiers Analyze Eating my dinner quietly, the explosion made me jump. Correct Eating my dinner quietly, I jumped when I heard the explosion.

Hyperlink For additional practice login to: Big Dogs Grammar

Works Cited Kinneavy, James L, and John Warriner. Misplaced Modifiers. Elements of Writing: Fifth Course. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1998,