Modifiers

A modifier is a word or phrase which describes another word. Modifiers can elaborate on size, quality, colour, time, speed, etc.  The trick with modifiers, especially in a long sentence, is making sure the reader understands precisely what  is being modified.

Dangling Modifiers

Dependent phrases, separated from an independent phrase by a comma, are often left improperly modified; these are called "dangling modifiers". Clearly identify the subject of the main clause, and ensure it relates to the dependent phrase. The dependent phrase is generally at the beginning of the sentence, but may be at the end.



Incorrect: Sounding like a chainsaw, I was awakened by my wife’s snoring.

The dependent phrase, “sounding like a chainsaw”, refers to “I”, instead of “my wife’s snoring”. The sentence could be changed to, “Sounding like a chainsaw, my wife’s snoring awakened me.”



Incorrect: The sink overflowed and flooded the kitchen, not having checked before I left the house.

The dependent phrase, “not having checked before I left the house”, is not properly modified by “the sink”. The sentence could be re-written as, “The sink overflowed and flooded the kitchen, as I did not check it before I left the house.”



Correct: To prove he was correct, the student found the relevant passage in the text.

The dependent phrase, “to prove he was correct”, is correctly modified by “the student”, instead of by “the relevant passage”.

Squinting Modifiers

When there are two clauses with a modifier in between them, it is sometimes unclear as to which clause is being modified; these modifiers are called, “squinting modifiers”. The problem can generally be fixed by moving the modifier.



Incorrect: While talking in his ear quietly she slid the money out of his pocket.

It is unclear if “quietly” is modifying “while talking in his ear” or “she slid the money out of his pocket”. The modifier, “quietly”, should be moved in front of “slid” or “talking”.



Incorrect: Maintaining a sizeable nest egg frequently protects you from financial tragedies.

This sentence may be better if rewritten: “By maintaining a sizeable nest egg, you are frequently protected from financial tragedies.”

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