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