Modifiers Mrs. Paige. Misplaced Modifiers What is the misplaced modifier?

ModifiersMrs. Paige

Misplaced Modifiers

Misplaced Modifiers

What is the misplaced modifier?

What is the misplaced modifier?

What is the misplaced modifier?

What is a modifier?

Misplaced Modifier

• A MODIFIER is an ADJECTIVE or ADVERB, and can be written in the form of words, phrases, verbals, or clauses.

• Sometimes modifiers can be MISPLACED. This doesn’t mean they are lost, but the meaning of the sentence might be lost.

• We know a MODIFIER is MISPLACED if we can’t tell what the modifiers are modifying.

Misplaced Modifier

• If a MODIFIER placement doesn’t make it clear what it MODIFIERS, the sentence may be misunderstood.

• To correct misplaced MODIFIERS, move the modifying word or phrase so that it appears directly BEFORE or AFTER the word it modifies.

Misplaced Modifier

Example 1:

• I played with my pet dog in my Sunday suit.

What is wrong with this sentence?

Misplaced ModifiersCommon ADVERBS that are MISPLACED are only, almost, just, even, merely, and

scarcely.

• Example 2: Look at the following sentences to see how the position of just affects the meaning of the sentence.

• Just the boys thanked the coach.• Meaning:

• The boys just thanked the coach.• Meaning: The boys did nothing else but thank the coach.

• The boys thanked just the coach. • Meaning:

Practice 11. The messenger spoke to the receptionist who delivered the package.

_________________

2. The golfer won the trophy wearing green golf shoes. _________________

3. Our desire grew smaller to win the prize. _________________

4. Reaching the menu, Hugh decided to have the steak again. _________________

5. Finishing the dishes, we were ready to relax. _________________

6. The kitten drank the milk that was hungry. _________________

7. I hurried to open the gift happily surprised. _________________

8. Sailing into port, my grandfather stood at the wheel of his beautiful new boat. _________

9. Soaring gracefully over the treetops, I watched the hawk disappear from view. ________

10. Badly frightened, the puppy cowered under the porch. _________________

Misplaced Modifiers

•Complete Practice 2 & 3 with a partner!

Dangling Modifiers

Dangling Modifiers• A dangling modifier IS A MODIFIER WITH NOTHING TO MODIFY.

• To fix this problem, YOU MUST ADD SOMETHING NEW SO IT WILL HAVE SOMETHING TO MODIFY.

• Example

Giving a party, several balloons were blown up.

• The modifier should describe whoever gave the party, but no word in the sentence identifies the party giver.

• Correct: Giving a party, they blew up several balloons.

Dangling Modifiers

•Let’s do Practice 1 & 2!

•Any questions?????

Exit Pass1. What is a modifier?

2. What is a misplaced modifier?

3. What is a dangling modifier?

4. Correct the following sentence: We only had two eggs left.