Problems with Modifiers
In speech, most of us are casual about where we place such single-word
modifiers as only, almost, hardly, just, and scarcely. Writing
should be more precise.
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Elliot remodeled antique cars almost until they were like new. (Misplaced)
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Elliot remodeled antique cars until they were almost like new. (Correct)
-
A kilo of salt only weighs 2.2 pounds. (Misplaced)
-
A kilo of salt weighs only 2.2 pounds. (Correct)
In the first example, what does "almost" really modify? "Remodeled," "until,"
or "like new"? In the second example, what is "only"? The verb "weighs"
or the quantified noun "2.2 pounds"? If you think about what word you are
actually modifying, and then place the modifier as close to that word as
possible, you will usually avoid problems.
To the dismay of many people, it has become common in speech to use
adjectives to modify verbs.
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When the gun went off, the hunter jumped real quick. (Incorrect)
"Quick" modifies "jumped," a verb. It should be modified with the adverb
quickly. Since "real" modifies quickly, and adverbs are modifed by other
adverbs, the clause should read "the hunter jumped really quickly."
You might think this sounds awkward if it's not what you're used to
hearing. Perhaps a better example:
-
He did bad on his test. (Incorrect)
Since this practice has become so common, it might be acceptable in casual
speech, though some listeners might make assumptions about your social
class or education level based on your non-standard grammar. In writing,
always use adverbs to modify verbs: "He did badly on his test."
What is the difference between "I feel good" and "I feel well"?
The meaning of English sentences depends largely on word order.
-
The girl eyed the man sitting in the wicker chair.
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The girl sitting in the wicker chair eyed the man.
In the above example, the entire phrase "sitting in the wicker chair" acts
as a modifier. Where it is placed in the sentence determines what it modifies
and alters the meaning of the sentence. The general rule is to place modifiers
as close as possible to the word or group of words they are supposed to
modify. When they are not so placed, awkwardness or ambiguity may result.
-
The customer returned the blender to the store with the broken rotor. (Misplaced)
-
The customer returned the blender with the broken rotor to the store. (Correct)
Sometimes a misplaced modifier is a variety of a pronoun problem.
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My uncle bought a rusted old Ford for $75 which he calls his "fishing car."
(Misplaced)
-
My uncle paid $75 for a rusted old Ford, which he calls his "fishing car."
(Correct)
What does "which" refer to in each of the examples above?
Because adverb phrases and clauses are easily shifted within a sentence,
they are often isolated from the words they are supposed to modify and
end up attached to something else.
-
The victim was found shot twice by his circular bed. (Misplaced)
-
The victim, shot twice, was found by his circular bed. (Correct)
-
The President promised that he would soon clarify his stand on television
last night. (Misplaced)
-
The President promised on television last night that he would soon clarify
his stand. (Correct)
Sometimes it is simply not clear what modifiers are supposed to be attached
to.
-
Conrad enjoyed working for a short time. (Ambiguous)
-
For a short time, Conrad enjoyed working. (Clear)
-
Mary assured the supervisor with a straight face that she was not cheating.
(Ambiguous)
-
With a straight face, Mary assured the supervisor that she was not cheating.
(Clear)
Introductory phrases or clauses which act as modifiers often cause problems
when they are not intended to modify the subject of the next clause. Such
modifiers are sometimes called dangling modifiers. They are often easy
mistakes to make even though they sound silly if you reconsider them.
-
Listening to The Yardbirds sing "Heart Full of Soul," my stereo blew up.
(Dangling)
Who is listening? The way the sentence is constructed, the stereo is listening.
Frequently, dangling modifiers can be corrected by specifying the person
or thing performing the action.
-
As I was listening to The Yardbirds sing "Heart Full of Soul," my stereo
blew up. (Correct)
The following are examples of dangling modifiers. Keep in mind that, although
they seem obvious enough in isolated examples, dangling modifiers have
a way of creeping into sentences.
-
While watching the performance, their jewels were stolen. (Dangling)
-
After several unsuccessful attempts to use the litter box, you should take
your cat to the veterinarian. (Dangling)
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Driving recklessly, Chuck's Corvette crashed into a light pole. (Dangling)
-
Besides finishing the report on water tables, my afternoon will be taken
up with phone calls. (Dangling)
In some instances, verbal phrases (sometimes known as absolute constructions)
refer not to a single word but to the entire idea of a sentence; thus they
do not dangle.
-
Generally speaking, most books contain errors. (Acceptable)
-
Considering the cost of gasoline, the plane fare looks reasonable. (Acceptable)