Modifiers, whether single words, phrases or clauses, must refer clearly to a word in the sentence. Modifier Errors
Eliza said she loves only me. Only Eliza said she loves me. Eliza only said she loves me. Eliza said only she loves me. Modifier Errors
Plainly, the placement of a modifier can have profound effect on the meaning of a sentence. Modifier Errors
Plainly, the placement of a modifier can have profound effect on the meaning of a sentence. Unfortunately, there’s no clearcut rule for modifier placement. Modifier Errors
Woman: There’s a man waiting to see you outside with a black mustache. Modifier Errors Groucho Marx: Tell him I already have one.
Dilapidated and almost an eyesore, Shirley bought the old house so she could restore it to its original condition. Modifier Errors
Shirley bought a dilapidated and old eyesore of a house so she could restore it to its original condition. Modifier Errors
Because she is now completely housebroken, Sue can take her dog anywhere. This mistake is called a misplaced modifier. Modifier Errors
Because her dog is now completely housebroken, Sue can take it anywhere. Modifier Errors
Three family members were found bound and gagged by their grandmother. Modifier Errors
A grandmother found three family members bound and gagged. Modifier Errors
Naturally, for a modifier to clearly refer to a word in the sentence, there must be a word for it to refer to! Modifier Errors
Waving farewell, the ship began to pull away from shore. Modifier Errors
Waving farewell, the ship began to pull away from shore. This mistake is called a dangling modifier. Modifier Errors
While we waved farewell, the ship began to pull away from shore. Modifier Errors
Having tucked in the children, the cat was put out for the night. Modifier Errors
Having tucked in the children, mom put the cat out for the night. Modifier Errors
To enter the contest, an entry form must be sent with your essay. Modifier Errors
To enter the contest, you must send an entry form in with your essay. Modifier Errors
Try these: Upon turning ten, my family moved to Florida. While eating dinner, the power went off. Modifier Errors
Try these: Surrounding the moon, John could see a faint light during the eclipse. Taking a test, the period ended too quickly. Modifier Errors