Date post: | 16-Dec-2015 |
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Misplaced Modifiers• A misplaced modifier is a modifier that
is incorrectly separated from the word or words that it describes.
• Misplaced modifiers seem to describe words that the author did not intend them to describe.
• When modifiers are misplaced, the reader may misunderstand the sentence.
• Generally, the solution is to place the modifier as close as possible to the word or words it describes.
Misplaced Modifiers
• Misplaced modifier:
Sam bought a used car from a local dealer with a smoky tailpipe.
• Corrected version:
Sam bought a used car with a smoky tailpipe from a local dealer.
Misplaced Modifiers
• Misplaced modifier:
The robin built a nest at the back of our house ofgrass and string.
• Corrected version:
The robin built a nest of grass and string at the backof our house.
Misplaced Modifiers
• Misplaced modifier:
Christie almost sneezed fifteen times last evening.
• Corrected version:
Christie sneezed almost fifteen times last evening.
Dangling Modifiers
• A modifier that starts a sentence must be followed right away by the word that it describes. Otherwise, the modifier is said to be dangling, and the sentence takes on an unintended meaning.
Dangling Modifiers
• Dangling modifier:
Sitting in the dentist’s chair, the sound of the drill made Larry sweat.
• Corrected version:
As Larry was sitting in the dentist’s chair, the sound of the drill made him sweat.
Dangling Modifiers
• Dangling modifier:
Sitting in the dentist’s chair, the sound of the drill made Larry sweat.
• Corrected version:
Sitting in the dentist’s chair, Larry sweated at the soundof the drill.
Dangling Modifiers
• Dangling modifier:
Soaring through the sky, Brenda watched the high-powered jet.
• Corrected version:
Brenda watched the high-powered jet soaring throughthe sky.