Where to Place Modifiers Where to Place Modifiers in a Sentencein a Sentence

University of the Sacred Heart

Department of Humanities

Center for Language Development Across the Disciplines

LAD

Objective

To help the student write clear, precise

sentences by placing modifiers correctly

Modifiers

Modifying words and phrases are used

to explain, expand, or clarify the

meaning of a sentence

If modifiers are not properly placed,

the sentence might be confusing

Placing Modifiers

Find the misplaced modifiers in the

following sentences:

Myrna distracted Jim when he was about to

study with her friends for the test.

James entered the room while I was watering

the plants with a cup of tea.

Placing Modifiers

Look at the correct position of the modifiers now.

When Jim was about to study for the test. Myrna distracted him with her friends.

James entered the room with a cup of tea

while I was watering the plants.

In the first case, it is understood that Jim was going to study with Myrna’s friends

Once the modifiers are placed correctly, it is understood that Myrna and her friends distracted Jim when he was about to study

Placing Modifiers

In the second case, it is first understood that I was watering the plants with a cup of tea

Once the modifiers are placed correctly, it is understood that James entered the room with a cup of tea

Placing Modifiers

The Use of Commas With Modifiers

Punctuation is also very important when

placing modifiers.

John, my brother sneaked out of the house last

night.

John, my brother, sneaked out of the house

last night.

In the first example, it is understood that I am talking to someone called John, and telling him that my brother sneaked out last night

In the second example, it is understood that John, who is my brother, sneaked out last night

The Use of Commas With Modifiers

Remember

To write clear sentences, place

adjectives, adverbs, phrases, and other

modifiers near the word or phrase being

modified

Use commas correctly to convey the message properly

For More Information

Index English Grammar and Composition

http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/index2.htm

Tons of Fun with Grammar

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/flin/103_handouts/sentences_and_phrases.htm

Grammar Book Table of Contents

http://www.grammarbook.com/exercises/grammar/cnt_gram.html

Center for Language Development Across the Disciplines

Prepared by: Thalia N. Nazario-Santiago English Mentor

April-June 2003 Revised by: Patricia Kidd

August 2004 Revised by: Prof. Delia Serrano

January 2005