The misplaced or dangling The misplaced or dangling modifier problemmodifier problem

EN112 BMCC Melis

Modifiers are words, phrases or Modifiers are words, phrases or clauses that add to the meaning of clauses that add to the meaning of

your sentenceyour sentenceExamples of modifiers: One-word modifier: Safeway suggested changes.Safeway suggested radical changes. A modifier phrase: Safeway, the Chicago based insurance company,

suggested changes.Safeway, the Chicago based insurance company,

suggested changes in its health insurance policy. A modifier clause:When the fiscal year ended with a deficit, Safeway

suggested changes.

EN112 BMCC Melis

Modifiers work best when they are Modifiers work best when they are closest to the word they modifyclosest to the word they modifyWhen the fiscal year ended with a

deficit, Safeway, the Chicago based insurance company, suggested radical changes in its health insurance policy.

In its health insurance policy, Safeway, the Chicago based insurance company, suggested radical changes when the fiscal year ended with a deficit.

EN112 BMCC Melis

One-word modifiers (“only,” “hardly” One-word modifiers (“only,” “hardly” “almost“almost” etc.)” etc.) radically change meaning radically change meaning when they are movedwhen they are movedCOMPARE:I paid almost $5,000 for the car repair.I almost paid $5,000 for the car repair.

Only John wears a tuxedo in the office.John wears only a tuxedo in the office.John wears a tuxedo only in the office.John wears his only tuxedo in the office.

EN112 BMCC Melis

When modifiers are misplaced, the When modifiers are misplaced, the sentence does not communicate its sentence does not communicate its intended meaningintended meaningAnn walked the dog wearing high

heels.Wearing high heals, Ann walked the

dog.

The man kept an eye on the toddler, sitting on a bench and smoking a cigar.

Sitting on a bench and smoking a cigar, the man kept an eye on the toddler.

EN112 BMCC Melis

Which modifier is placed Which modifier is placed correctly?correctly?Pregnant and tired looking, the old man

gave his seat to the young woman.The old man gave his seat to the

pregnant and tired looking young woman.

Dressed in white satin, the father walked the bride down the aisle.

The father walked the bride, who was dressed in white satin, down the aisle.

Dressed in white satin, the bride was walked down the isle by her father.

EN112 BMCC Melis