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Explain what modifiers are and how they function in a sentence.
Explain how to avoid dangling modifiers.
Explain how to avoid misplaced modifiers.
This packet should help a learner seeking to understand English grammar and who has made mistakes with dangling or misplaced modifiers. It will explain how modifiers function and how to use them correctly.
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Using Modifiers Correctly
A modifier is a word or word group that makes the meaning of another word or word group more specific. The two kinds of modifiers are adjectives and adverbs.
Adjective modifier examples:
Strong wind an alligator two cubes
A loud voice the painted one this bit
Adverb modifier examples:
Drives carefully suddenly stopped too hot
Extremely low rather quickly not here
Not all modifiers ending in –ly are used as adverbs; some are used as adjectives.
A daily lesson a lively discussion
An early breakfast
A few modifiers have the same form whether used as adjectives or as adverbs.
|
Adjectives |
Adverbs |
|
A hard job A late start An early arrival A fast walk |
Works hard Started late Arriving early To walk fast |
Phrases and clauses can be used as modifiers as well.
Examples of a phrase used as a modifier:
It was a monument to peace. (prepositional phrase acts as an adj.)
Sweeping through the gulch, the wind scattered leaves and branches. (participial phrase acts as an adj.)
This is easy to do well. (infinitive phrase acts as an adv.)
Examples of a clause used as a modifier:
Toni Morrison is the author who wrote Beloved. (adjective clause)
Because winter was coming, the butterflies flew south. (adverb clause)
Correct the errors in the use of modifiers in each of the following sentences.
1. After listening to The Battle of the Bands, we thought that the jazz band performed even more better than the rock group.
2. Mrs. Smith seemed doubtfully when I promised to repair the damage right after dinner.
3. The house on the corner is the less attractive of all the houses on the block, but with a few repairs it could be the nicer.
4. Her perfume smelled even sweeter when she came nearer.
5. My aunt treats uninvited guests rather rude.
6. Dr. Black seems most capable than the other doctor in the clinic.
7. Though the car was in the repair shop for two days, it still does not run real good.
8. Your excuse sounds very convincingly.
9. Carry these dishes cautious.
10. Raul seemed even more nervouser about the test than I.
