MODIFIERS

GRAMMAR

MISPLACED MODIFIERS

(Beside the wrong word)

ADJECTIVES:

Beside the wrong noun

Move to the correct noun

       EXAMPLE:

        The thief robbed the old lady wearing a mask.

        The thief wearing a mask robbed the old lady.

ADVERBS (USUALLY END -LY): used to intensify

a number

    EXAMPLE:

    We only have one week of school left.

    We have only one week of school left.

INFINITIVE: "TO" + VERB

SPLIT INFINITIVE: words interrupt the infinitive

    EXAMPLE:

    The instructor said to carefully read the chapter.

    The instructor said to read the chapter carefully.

DANGLING MODIFIERS

(No noun to modify)

TO FIX:

    1. ADD PERSON (noun or pronoun)

    2. ADD/CHANGE VERB

    3. ADD CONJUNCTION

        EXAMPLE:

        Playing in the park, the children’s ball rolled into

        the street.

        While the children were playing in the park, their

        ball rolled into the street.

        As the couple walked through the park, the air    

        smelled sweet.