Modifiers Mock Lesson

Words, phrases, or clauses that affect or enhance the meaning of a sentence. ​

Some common modifiers we see are adverbs and adjectives.

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​Modifiers are...

The principal threw a large, crumpled paper in the trash.

'Large, crumpled' is describing the paper.

Example #2

The crying girl is sitting on the couch.

'Crying' is describing or modifying girl.

Example #1

After eating, the bear returned to its family.

What is the modifier? Who or what does it modify?

Example #2

Sitting on the porch, we watched the sunset.

'Sitting on the porch' is the modifier. It modifies 'we.'

Example #1:

The modifier is directly next to the person or thing it is modifying or describing.

Some modifiers just don't make sense and seem to be put in the wrong part of the sentence!

For example: I smelled the oysters coming down the stairs.

Misplaced Modifiers

How to Correct Modifiers

Move the modifier near the object or person it modifies.

Corrected version: Coming down the stairs, I smelled the oysters.

Let's do some practice examples. What is wrong with these sentences?

1. He threw the ball to the girl made of orange rubber.

2. The man walked toward the car carrying a briefcase.

3. The book almost hit Bill's head that we bought online.

4. The dealer sold Cadillacs to the buyer with leather seats.

Answer Key!!!

1. He threw the ball made of orange rubber to the girl.

2. The man carrying a brief case walked toward the car.

3. The book we bought online almost hit Bill's head.

4. The dealer sold Cadillacs with leather seats to the buyer.

This is called a dangling modifier. It is when our modifier is left hanging with nothing to describe.

Example: Having read the book, the film will be a hit.

Who read the book? There is no one there. The modifier can only be corrected by adding something for the modifier to describe.

Corrected Example: Having read the book, I think the film will be a hit.